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The NHL imposed sanctions Monday after the rivalry between the Florida Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lightning escalated during their final preseason game.
Lightning forward Scott Sabourin was suspended for four games and defenseman JJ Moser was handed a two-game suspension for his actions during Saturday night’s game. The NHL also fined the Lightning organization $100,000, and head coach Jon Cooper was fined $25,000.
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Tampa Bay Lightning right winger Scott Sabourin (46) and Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad, right, exchange blows during the first period of an NHL preseason hockey game, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
This chaotic game saw referees call 65 penalties over 312 minutes, including 13 fouls. Tampa Bay committed seven in the game and six were called against Florida. The Panthers received 17 power play opportunities, according to the NHL.
The players began their march toward the trash can when Sabourin tackled Panthers star Aaron Ekblad. Sabourin received a major penalty after playing only 19 seconds.
From there, the game escalated as the referees attempted to regain control. Florida’s eighth goal was overturned after Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola was credited with an assist. He had already been sent off earlier in the third period.
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Tampa Bay Lightning right winger Scott Sabourin (46) and Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad (5) battle during the first period of an NHL preseason hockey game Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in Sunrise, Florida. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Florida won the game 7-0. Chaos ensued after the two teams totaled 49 penalties and 186 minutes in a previous preseason match.
“I think anyone who’s been a part of that rivalry would probably look at that score and A, not be surprised and B, I can’t believe it took this long for something like that to happen,” Cooper said Saturday.
Panthers forward Evan Rodrigues added that the game “got stupid at the end.”
“It wasn’t really hockey there,” he added.
Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad (5) and Tampa Bay Lightning right winger Scott Sabourin (46) fall to the ice during the first period of an NHL preseason hockey game, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in Sunrise, Florida. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
This seemed like a taste of what the regular season has in store. Florida and Tampa Bay will face each other four times starting November 15.
Florida enters the season as the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions.
