In a matchup that felt more like a playoff grudge than a simple preseason tilt, the Tampa Bay Lightning pulled ahead late to defeat the Florida Panthers 5-2 on Thursday night at Amalie Arena. The game, part of the Battle of Florida series that never seems to lose its edge, showcased the Lightning's depth even as both teams tinkered with lineups ahead of the regular season opener.
The Panthers struck first, with Sam Reinhart netting a power-play goal just 4:12 into the contest, reminding everyone why Florida enters the year as defending champions. But Tampa Bay responded swiftly. Andrei Vasilevskiy, steady in net as always, turned away 28 shots, while the offense clicked into gear midway through the second period. Conor Geekie, the young forward making waves in camp, tallied twice, his second goal—a slick deflection off a point shot—pushing the score to 3-1 and shifting momentum decisively.
Indeed, the Lightning's forecheck wore down Florida's defense, leading to a pair of third-period tallies from Brandon Hagel and Nikita Kucherov, the latter burying a one-timer on a rush that exposed some early-season rust for the visitors. Panthers coach Paul Maurice pulled Sergei Bobrovsky with five minutes left, but Tampa capitalized on the empty net. It was a frustrating night for Florida, who managed only 30 shots and struggled to convert on their chances after an initial burst.
However, this win doesn't erase the scars from last spring's playoff exit, where the Panthers ousted Tampa in six games en route to the Cup. Lightning GM Julien BriseBois has reloaded with signings like Jake Guentzel, aiming to reclaim Atlantic Division supremacy. For Florida, the loss highlights areas to sharpen—perhaps that penalty kill, which leaked two goals on the night.
Moreover, with the regular season kicking off in just days, both squads will carry this intensity forward. The rivalry simmers, as it should in the Sunshine State.
As the pucks drop on the new campaign, one wonders if this preseason skirmish foreshadows another heated chapter in the Lightning-Panthers saga.