The Panthers Own The State of Florida
Couldn’t have said it better myself, Matthew. Is it really a rivalry if we absolutely dog walk them every time we play? Honestly, it never felt like one to me, not when the Lightning were at their peak. Back in the day, every time the Panthers faced off against Tampa Bay, it was a massacre. They didn’t just beat us, they dominated us. It was like watching the Dolphins play the Bills, technically a rivalry, but in reality, just a regularly scheduled ass-whooping.
But the times have changed. The script has flipped. The Florida Panthers are no longer the little brother getting bullied on the playground. We’ve grown up, hit the gym, and now we’re the ones doing the bullying. We’re the ones handing out the beatdowns. And we’re doing it in a way that makes every other hockey fan jealous, we’re bullies that can light the lamp better than anyone.
Last night’s game was a perfect example. Actually, this entire series has been incredible. Even though we closed it out in five games, every matchup was hard-fought. It wasn’t an easy five-game series—if that makes sense—but we still came out on top because we were clearly the better team. Not just better than Tampa, but arguably the best in the entire playoff field right now. Like I said in my last blog: when it comes to playoff hockey, nobody bullies like the Panthers. We’re more physical, we’ve got more depth, and oh yeah, we’ve got an absolute brick wall in net. Bobrovsky has been lights-out.
But this year, we’ve added a new weapon to the arsenal. His name? Brad Marchand. A guy I once couldn’t stand has now carved out a special place in my heart. Last night, Brad was on another level. He looked like McDavid out there, just flying around the ice, creating chances out of nothing, and playing with that perfect mix of skill and menace. His impact was the reason we pulled out the win.
And let’s be honest—I love pricks in hockey. I love pricks in real life. The world needs more of them. Marchand plays with that edge, that grit, that relentless energy that drives opponents crazy and I can’t get enough of it.
At this point, it’s safe to say the Panthers own the state of Florida. Call it a passing of the torch if you want. Sure, I respect the Lightning. But it’s the same kind of respect I give to old folks: I appreciate what they once were, I value the lessons they’ve taught us, but I know their best days are behind them.
The Florida Panthers are here, and we’re not going anywhere.
