A ton of ejections. A goal taken away 15 minutes later. Panthers-Lightning was wild Saturday
Niko Mikkola had an assist on a goal that gave the Florida Panthers an 8-0 lead. Problem was, he'd been kicked out of the game a few minutes earlier and nobody noticed.
It was that kind of night between the Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Florida beat Tampa Bay 7-0 in the preseason finale for both clubs Saturday night, though the score was irrelevant. There were 65 penalties for 312 minutes on the stat sheet, including 13 game misconduct penalties - seven for Tampa Bay, six for Florida. The penalty count kept rising after the game, while officials were making sure everything that was called got logged.
Florida had 17 power-play chances in the game, by the NHL's count.
"It got silly. It got stupid by the end of it," Florida forward Evan Rodrigues said. "It wasn't really hockey out there."
The parade to the penalty boxes started about two minutes into the game when Tampa Bay's Scott Sabourin - who was among six players the Lightning called up for the game - went after Florida's Aaron Ekblad. Sabourin got a major penalty after playing only 19 seconds.
"It made you think there might be something coming," Florida's Eetu Luostarinen said, when asked what he thought when he saw the Lightning called up players for the game.
What would have been the eighth Florida goal of the night, midway through the third period, was taken away 15 minutes after Jesper Boqvist scored. Off-ice officials realized that Mikkola couldn't have had an assist on the play - since he'd been ejected earlier in the period.
The teams skated with the scoreboard saying Florida led 8-0 for about five minutes of actual game time, before officials informed both teams that the goal had been taken away and Mikkola had to leave the game.
The Lightning took nine penalties and had no shots on goal in the third period.
Saturday's game came two nights after the teams combined for 49 penalties and 186 minutes in another preseason contest, one the Lightning won 5-2.
Tampa Bay went to three consecutive Stanley Cup Finals from 2020 through 2022, winning two titles in that span. Florida has been to each of the last three Stanley Cup Finals and has won the last two Cups. And it has long been a heated rivalry between the franchises.
"I think anybody that´s been a part of this rivalry would probably look at this box score and A, not be surprised and B, I can´t believe it´s taken this long for something like that to happen," Lightning coach Jon Cooper said.
BREAKING NEWS: Jordan Love's Heartfelt $1 Million Donation Stuns Football World
In an unprecedented move that has taken the sports community by storm, Green Bay Packers star Jordan Love has shocked the world with an incredible act of generosity. Love, known for his dominant presence on the field, has made a staggering $1 million donation to Candelaria Rivas Ramos, a remarkable Mexican ethnic minority woman who embarked on a grueling 14-hour journey from her small mountain village to compete in the 2025 Canyon Ultra Marathon.
Ramos, a mother and passionate long-distance runner, had always dreamed of participating in one of the most challenging marathons in the world. But despite her dedication, the road to the Canyon Ultra Marathon was not paved with opportunities. The 14-hour walk from her home in a remote town was a testament to her perseverance and grit, but it also highlighted the struggles faced by many aspiring athletes from underprivileged backgrounds.
In an emotional moment that will forever be etched in the hearts of those who witnessed it, Love wrote a heartfelt letter to Ms. Ramos, expressing his admiration for her courage and determination. The letter, filled with sincerity, conveyed not just financial support, but a deep understanding of the hardships she had faced.
In his letter, Love wrote: "I’ve seen the way you fight, the way you overcome challenges, and the heart you put into everything you do. I’m not just giving money, I’m giving you a chance to be seen and heard. You inspire me."
The gesture left Ramos overwhelmed with emotion. In a tearful response, she shared her gratitude, saying, "No one has ever treated me like this. This is more than just money; it’s a belief in me, a belief that I can achieve my dreams."
Ramos had been training for years, sacrificing much to pursue her passion for running. Despite financial constraints, she never gave up, believing that the Canyon Ultra Marathon was within her reach. Love’s unexpected donation has not only alleviated her financial burdens but has also ignited a sense of hope in her and countless others who dream of overcoming their own challenges.
For many, Love’s donation goes beyond just a financial contribution. It’s a statement about the power of sports to unite people from all walks of life, transcending borders, backgrounds, and financial disparities. It’s a reminder that true athletes, whether on the field or in life, understand that the real victories come from lifting others up.
The Packers fanbase, known for its passionate following, has rallied behind Love’s generosity, praising him for his humility and compassion. His donation is a reminder of the positive influence that athletes can have both on and off the field, using their platform for good.
Ramos, who will now have the financial support to pursue her athletic dreams without the worry of financial instability, will be competing in the Canyon Ultra Marathon as a symbol of resilience. Her journey, coupled with Love’s kindness, has inspired countless fans, proving that acts of kindness can have a far-reaching impact.
In a world where headlines often focus on scandals or controversies, Love’s gesture has offered a refreshing change—a powerful reminder that kindness and empathy still hold immense value. This incredible act of generosity is set to resonate within the football world for years to come, leaving a legacy of compassion and humanity that far exceeds any tackle or touchdown.
