The Battle of Florida continues to be the gift that keeps on giving in the NHL. After a dramatic and highly entertaining Stanley Cup Playoffs series between the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning, Matthew Tkachuk raised the stakes for future showdowns—as only he can.
And breathe. The fourth edition of the Battle of Florida may have been brief, but it was no less intense than any other series in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Every game brought its share of controversy, physicality, and jaw-dropping plays—but in the end, it was Tkachuk and the Panthers who had the last laugh.
Florida has now tied their series record against their in-state rivals in Tampa, both franchises have now eliminated their counterpart in two seasons. It’s such an even matchup, that their playoffs record by games is tied as well at ten wins apiece. However, the Cats have seemingly turned the scale in their favor, as they knocked out the Lightning in consecutive NHL seasons, both times in five games.
There’s been many factors for the Panthers’ rise to become a powerhouse in the league, but perhaps the biggest was Tkachuk’s blockbuster trade back in July 2022. Since, the team in Sunrise has evolved from a fun group of house cats, to a frightening pack of Panthers, who bring out their best when it matters the most.
Matthew Tkachuk #19 of the Florida Panthers celebrates after Florida’s 2-1 victory against the Edmonton Oilers in Game Seven of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 24, 2024 in Sunrise, Florida.
Following their 6–3 victory in Game 5, which punched Florida’s ticket to the Stanley Cup Playoffs Second Round, Matthew Tkachuk delivered a powerful statement—adding insult to injury for Tampa Bay.
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“I don’t know if it’s really a rivalry,” Tkachuk stated, taking a clear shot at the Bolts, following Game 5, via TSN. “It’s nice to beat them back-to-back years, both in 5. It’s been fun playing them. We’ve had some success the last couple of years, and hopefully we can keep that momentum going. Hard fought series, I guess we don’t like them, and I know they don’t like us. I’m excited that series is over and we can move on.”
Shutting down the Art Ross trophy winner
The Panthers’ commanding series victory over the Lightning can be explained through several moments, but perhaps there is one statistic that paints the best picture.
Nikita Kucherov, who finished the NHL regular season with 121 points to secure the Art Ross trophy, failed to score a single goal in the playoff series against Florida.
Such stat underlines both an incredible defensive performance by the Panthers, who limited Grade-A chances for Tampa’s top line, mostly by forcing their style of play, causing Kucherov to waste shifts chasing the puck down in his own zone instead of being set up in scoring positions on the offensive zone.
Nikita Kucherov #86 of the Tampa Bay Lightning reacted after missing the net with a shot against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the second period at the Amalie Arena on April 9, 2025 in Tampa, Florida.
However, it also raises a major question mark around Kucherov. The star winger has now failed to score a goal in the Stanley Cup Playoffs during each of the three seasons he won the Art Ross Trophy—2018–19, 2023–24, and 2024–25.
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When Kucherov’s production dries up, the Lightning’s hopes dim—and that only means bragging rights in the Sunshine State Showdown stay with the Panthers down in South Florida.
