Panthers Disrespect Lightning in Social Media Post After Eliminating Them From Playoffs

Despite making it to back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals in recent times, many saw the Battle of Florida being one that could go in favour of the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

After five games however, the Panthers ended things in Tampa Bay on Wednesday with a dominant 6-3 victory, with the team absolutely steamrolling their Florida rivals in a quick five games.

Matthew Tkachuk wasn't shy about taking a shot at the Lightning after the game, and it appears neither were the Panthers social media team, as they certainly made it known that it was 'clear skies ahead' after dispatching of the Lightning in short order in this series.

It may certainly not have been easy for every player that took the ice, especially given how physical things got throughout this series, but eventually the Panthers would dominate, putting together a 4-1 series win while outscoring their biggest rival 19-11 in the process.

After being such a feel good story over the past two years, this along with the Brad Marchand trade have signalled that the Panthers are now the big bad wolf in the NHL, and after taking out a team in Tampa Bay not once but twice in five games over the past two years, they're full of confidence.

Ultimately, this is what a rivalry is all about, and as long as there is respect at the end of the day, this is the type of shot that teams love to take, so don't be surprised if they do it again, especially if they meet the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second round.