As if the 2026 NHL Stadium Series wasn’t dramatic and electric enough, Jeremy Swayman of the Boston Bruins and Andrei Vasilevskiy of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tampa-bay-lightning">Tampa Bay Lightning</a> dropped the gloves—or rather the trapper and the blocker, as well as their masks.



What’s more uncommon than NHL games being played outdoors? Goaltenders dropping the gloves and throwing haymakers at center ice. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl/how-many-fans-are-attending-lightning-vs-bruins-2026-nhl-stadium-series-today">Fans attending the 2026 Stadium Series</a> at Raymond James Stadium were treated to both spectacles during a candid showdown between the Lightning and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/boston-bruins">Bruins</a>.



With Tampa Bay looking for a spark to mount a comeback down 5-2, Vasilevskiy decided to take matters into his own hands by skating down to Boston’s zone where chaos erupted. However, not many predicted what would unfold next. Both goaltenders dropped their equipment and engaged in an all-out boxing bout.



When it was all said and done, both goalies were seen smiling and congratulating one another. After all, they had just given fans what they didn’t even knew they wanted to see. Back on each team’s benches, their teammates were having a blast, as well.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">GOALIE FIGHT AT THE <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/STADIUMSERIES?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#STADIUMSERIES</a> 🇺🇸: <a href="https://twitter.com/espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@espn</a> ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/m0LyTCHYnH">https://t.co/m0LyTCHYnH</a> 🇨🇦: <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Sportsnet</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/TVASports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TVASports</a> ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/4KjbdjVctF">https://t.co/4KjbdjVctF</a> <a href="https://t.co/OSydD4j1cq">pic.twitter.com/OSydD4j1cq</a>— NHL (@NHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL/status/2018137398861832385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2026</a></blockquote></div> 



<h2>Are goalie fights back?</h2>



All in all, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> has seen the number of fights decline in recent years. Long gone are the days of enforcers being employed solely for their fighting skills. As fights have become less frequent, goalie fights have grown almost extinct. 


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nhl/whos-performing-at-lightning-vs-bruins-2026-nhl-stadium-series-today"></div>


On January 19, 2026, Sergei Bobrovsky and Alex Nedeljkovic delivered the first goalie fight in nearly six years. The last time two netminders had engaged in a fight was when Alex Smith of the Edmonton Oilers and Cam Talbot of the Calgary Flames dropped the mitts back on Feb. 1, 2020. Exactly six years later, Vasilevskiy and Swayman reenacted the scene, only this time it was in the 45th outdoor regular-season game in league history.



This time around, a rivalry like the Battle of Alberta wasn’t necessary to raise the stakes. Andrei Vasilevskiy took a page out of the book of a fellow Russian, two-time Stanley Cup–champion goalie from a Florida-based franchise, as he went after Jeremy Swayman during the 2026 NHL Stadium Series. Needless to say, this game will be remembered across the league as one of the best regular-season matchups of the decade.

Video: Goalie fight unleashes during Lightning vs Bruins 2026 Stadium Series

Video: Goalie fight unleashes during Lightning vs Bruins 2026 Stadium Series - Bolavip US

miniaturas

Though the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are no longer playing, Raymond James Stadium is gearing up to allocate thousands of fans as the Tampa Bay Lightning host the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/boston-bruins">Boston Bruins</a> in the 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series.



The outdoor matchup in the Big Guava will bring to a close a month-long chapter of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> action played outside the elements in the Sunshine State. The celebration began on Jan. 2, when the Florida Panthers faced the New York Rangers in the Winter Classic at loanDepot Park. Now, the Bolts will take on the Bruins in what’s set to be the first-ever outdoor game held in a football stadium in Florida.



While the Panthers found little success playing outdoors, the red-hot <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tampa-bay-lightning">Lightning</a> are hoping to change the tune as the Spoked B rolls into surprisingly frigid Tampa weather. Fans in attendance will have to brave unprecedented low temperatures, hoping they’re rewarded with an unforgettable victory.



<h2>Fans attending NHL Stadium Series</h2>



Raymond James Stadium is expected to be near capacity when the 2026 Stadium Series gets underway between the Bolts and the Bruins. While the venue typically holds around 65,000 fans for NFL games, that number can be increased for special events. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/01111957/raymond-james-stadium-2-1920x1080.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-571558"></figure><figcaption> General view of Raymond James Stadium ahead of Stadium Series</figcaption></figure>



According to Emily Kaplan of ESPN, around 63,000 fans are in attendance at Raymond James Stadium as the Bruins and Lightning do battle out in the Bay. As of Sunday morning, only a handful of non-resale tickets were still available. Thus, the Lightning and Bruins can expect a sold-out crowd when the puck drops at Ray Jay Stadium.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nhl/jon-cooper-net-worth"></div>


However, with Central Florida under an extreme weather warning, some ticket holders may be forced to stay home. Needless to say, those who do attend will likely set new personal records for the number of layers they bundle up in. At least, they will be in for a great show after learning <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl/whos-performing-at-lightning-vs-bruins-2026-nhl-stadium-series-today">who will be performing at the 2026 Stadium Series</a>.



<h2>Record attendance for Stadium Series</h2>



While the roughly 75,000 fans expected to attend the 2026 Stadium Series would place this year’s edition near the top, it would still fall well short of the attendance record. As it stands, the 2025 Stadium Series between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Detroit Red Wings holds that mark, drawing 94,751 fans at Ohio Stadium.



The 2024 Stadium Series, meanwhile, amassed approximately 150,000 fans, though that figure combines attendance from the two games that made up the event: the New Jersey Devils vs. the Philadelphia Flyers on Feb. 17, 2024, and the New York Islanders vs. the New York Rangers on Feb. 18.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="697f7dc770a943df4bc929e1" data-title="Which franchise should host an outdoor game in 2028?" data-options="7"></div>

How many fans are attending Lightning vs Bruins 2026 NHL Stadium Series today?

How many fans are attending Lightning vs Bruins 2026 NHL Stadium Series today? - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tampa-bay-lightning">Tampa Bay Lightning</a> and Boston Bruins will close out the outdoor rink season in the NHL with a matchup at Raymond James Stadium in the 2026 Stadium Series. With the two sides set to face off under the elements—if they can even be called that in Central Florida—fans wonder which artists will perform throughout the evening.



Tampa and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/boston-bruins">Boston</a> are in for a long-awaited Atlantic Division showdown when the puck drops at Raymond James Stadium. The Bolts and the Spoked B are both currently sitting in a playoff spot, but the race in the Eastern Conference is jam-packed. Therefore, the tiniest slip up could prove costly. 



Outdoor games are rare in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a>—and showdowns in Tampa are even more uncommon. As a result, fans know they’re in for a treat, with the league planning different shows throughout the game.



<h2>Who will perform during Stadium Series?</h2>



Fans attending Raymond James Stadium in Tampa—and those watching from their cozy couches at home—will be treated to a first-intermission show headlined by Grammy Award-winning artist Tim McGraw. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/01101430/tim-mcgraw-1920x1080.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-571523"></figure><figcaption>Tim McGraw will perform during the first-intermission show</figcaption></figure>



Along with the star-studded squads facing off on the ice, fans who brave the freezing temperatures in the Big Guava can expect a top-tier performance from one of the best country singers and songwriters in the world. 


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nhl/jon-cooper-net-worth"></div>


<h2>McGraw appeared in similar event before</h2>



McGraw had recently performed prior to the MLB Speedway Classic, which was held at Bristol Motor Speedway. Needless to say, the Louisiana native has a knack for these special sporting events.



McGraw truly does the term “artist” justice, having written best-selling books while also appearing in films such as Friday Night Lights and The Blind Side. Though Raymond James Stadium will look quite different than it does during the NFL season, it’s a fitting stage for him to perform in an iconic football venue.



<h3>Who will sing the national anthem before the 2026 Stadium Series?</h3>



As two American sides will go head to head in the 2026 Stadium Series, only one national anthem will be played before puck-drop. On that note, the ‘Star-Sprangled Banner’ will be performed by R&amp;B/Soul and country artist Hunter Hayes.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/01102018/hunter-hayes-1920x1080.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-571528"></figure><figcaption>Hunter Hayes</figcaption></figure>



As it stands, no additional shows or artists have been confirmed by the NHL. However, the possibility of a surprise singer joining McGraw during the first intermission—or later in the night—can’t be ruled out. ESPN has also announced that former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce will serve as a special correspondent during the broadcast. Who knows? Give Kelce a microphone long enough, and he might sing a tune or two.



Either way, despite the chart-topping artists performing throughout the game, neither the Lightning nor the Bruins have time to be distracted. All that matters is coming away with a victory amid a tight playoff race.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="697f6fa270a943df4bc929de" data-title="Which song will McGraw open his first-intermission show with?" data-options="5"></div>

Who’s performing at Lightning vs Bruins 2026 NHL Stadium Series today?

Who's performing at Lightning vs Bruins 2026 NHL Stadium Series today? - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/auston-matthews">Auston Matthews</a> and the Toronto Maple Leafs will be missing a veteran teammate following a controversial hit. The announcement comes in the wake of Dakota Mermis leaving the game against the Tampa Bay Lightning with a lower-body injury.



Matthews and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/toronto-maple-leafs">Maple Leafs</a> feared the news of a serious injury to Mermis would arrive at any moment in the 2025-26 NHL season. After being on the receiving end of a knee-on-knee hit from Lightning forward Gage Goncalves, the 31-year-old defenseman will now miss time in the campaign.



“The Maple Leafs have placed Dakota Mermis (lower body) on injured reserve retroactive to December 8,” the Maple Leafs announced through their social media, @LeafsPR. According to Professional Hockey Writers Association’s David Alter, Berube announced Mermis is expected to miss at least one month.



“We lose a guy for probably a month at least. There’s nothing. And that hurt,” Berube vividly commented on Mermis’ injury and the fact the NHL assessed no discipline to Goncalves, via The Athletic’s Jonas Siegel on X.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Gage Goncalves received a 5-minute major and a game misconduct for kneeing on Dakota Mermis <a href="https://t.co/hGtUJbZjcl">pic.twitter.com/hGtUJbZjcl</a>— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) <a href="https://twitter.com/GinoHard_/status/1998223837302079889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2025</a></blockquote></div> 



<h2>Heated game</h2>



Tempers flared at Scotiabank Arena as the Leafs and Bolts met for the first time in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> campaign. For his dangerous hit on Mermis, Goncalves was assessed a five-minute major and a game misconduct. However, the Department of Player Safety let the incident slide with no fine or suspension handed down.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nhl/nhl-imposes-harsh-punishment-for-auston-matthews-teammate-after-candid-reaction-during-maple-leafs-lightning"></div>


Instead, Leafs forward Bobby McMann was indeed suspended for high-sticking <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tampa-bay-lightning">Tampa Bay</a>’s Oliver Bjorkstrand. As expected, fans on social media erupted with criticism of the league officials’ decision, with many arguing it was a witch hunt against Toronto. 



The outrage only grew louder after discouraging news for Matthews and company were confirmed. Berube didn’t go as far, but he did share his reproval of the suspension. “I know you’ve got to be in control of your stick, but I don’t think it’s worth the suspension,” the Maple Leafs head coach admitted, via David Alter on X.



<h2>Leafs call up replacement</h2>



With Mermis out until—at least—January, the Maple Leafs must come up with a backup plan to fill the hole left by the veteran’s absence. The 31-year-old had appeared in 11 games this season, registering one goal. Now, Toronto has confirmed Henry Thrun will be joining the NHL lineup, joining Matthews and the Buds as they vie to keep spirits high. 



The Maple Leafs have won four of their last five games. Although the one-game suspension to McMann and Mermis’ absence put bumps in the road, the Leafs must stay their current course, as they have seemingly found their footing despite the injury bug. Needless to say, the Buds can’t afford to have the recent drama derail their season.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="6939c05de2d53b59fb2f0506" data-title="Do you agree with the NHL suspending McMann?" data-options="4"></div>

NHL News: Craig Berube, Maple Leafs confirm troubling news on Auston Matthews teammate after controversial hit from opponent

NHL News: Craig Berube, Maple Leafs confirm troubling news on Auston Matthews teammate after controversial hit from opponent - Bolavip US

Berube, Leafs confirm troubling news on Matthews teammate after controversial hit

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/auston-matthews">Auston Matthews</a> and the Toronto Maple Leafs knew this was coming. Following Bobby McMann’s high-stick hit against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the NHL’s Department of Player Safety has responded with harsh supplementary discipline.



“Toronto’s Bobby McMann has been suspended for one game for high-sticking Tampa Bay’s Oliver Bjorkstrand,” the NHL’s Department of Player Safety announced through its X account.



As the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> explained, there were two key points driving the decision behind the one-game suspension. On the one hand, there was the unquestionable fact that McMann committed an intentional high-sticking infraction. 



On the other hand, balancing out the punishment was the fact that <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/toronto-maple-leafs">Toronto</a>’s McMann has no history of past infractions. Thus, the Department of Player Safety determined the length of the suspension was appropriate.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Subsequently, Bobby McMann received a match penalty for this slash on Oliver Bjorkstrand 😳 <a href="https://t.co/8QAnwAAoGe">https://t.co/8QAnwAAoGe</a> <a href="https://t.co/UyFFWwVSKb">pic.twitter.com/UyFFWwVSKb</a>— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) <a href="https://twitter.com/GinoHard_/status/1998224494788571347?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2025</a></blockquote></div> 



<h2>Maple Leafs fans are not happy</h2>



Though a one-game suspension is not the end of the world, missing McMann does complicate Matthews and the rest of the Leafs as they look to build momentum in the 2025-26 NHL season. On that note, many fans in social media argued the penalty was exaggerated. Especially as McMann had already been assessed a match penalty during the game.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nhl/best-players-in-toronto-maple-leafs-history"></div>


Some called for supplementary discipline to be passed down on <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tampa-bay-lightning">Tampa Bay</a>’s Gage Goncalves, who delivered a knee-on-knee hit during the game on defenseman Dakota Mermis. Goncalves was assessed a five-minute major and a game misconduct.



<h2>Controversial precedent</h2>



Moreover, others moved the clock’s arms back in time, bringing up a high-sticking infraction committed by (then) New York Rangers captain Jacob Trouba on (then) Boston Bruins forward Trent Frederic. Back then, the NHL decided a $5,000 fine was sufficient for the Rangers captain, but no suspension was issued.



However, that incident took place during the 2023-24 campaign. Much has changed since, and the criteria have seemingly been different this time around. Still, the fanbase in Hogtown can’t help but believe they are receiving different treatment because of the Maple Leafs logo on the front of McCann’s jersey.

NHL imposes harsh punishment for Auston Matthews’ teammate after candid reaction during Maple Leafs-Lightning

NHL imposes harsh punishment for Auston Matthews’ teammate after candid reaction during Maple Leafs-Lightning - Bolavip US

NHL imposes harsh punishment for Matthews’ teammate after Leafs-Lightning

Mike Sullivan and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-rangers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York Rangers</a> had no answers for Jon Cooper and the Tampa Bay Lightning. After being humbled at home by the Bolts, the Blueshirts head coach’s postgame remarks stood in stark contrast to Cooper’s. So far, their NHL seasons have been like day and night, and their latest comments made that perfectly clear.



Scoreboard watchers could argue that a 4-1 loss—in which the final goal came on an empty net—is far from a tragic outcome in the NHL. However, in this case, the final score doesn’t do the story of the night justice. Sullivan and the Rangers were blown out of the water by <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jon-cooper" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper</a>’s Lightning. If not for Igor Shesterkin, the goal tally could’ve reached season highs. After the game, Sullivan didn’t mince words on his thoughts.



“We got outcompeted from the drop of the puck,” <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mike-sullivan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sullivan</a> commented per <a href="https://www.nhl.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL.com</a>. “There’s got to be a willingness and a want to be first to pucks, to embrace physicality. We knew the type of game it was going to be. 



“That team, they’ve got hard skill, they compete and they skate. That was the type of game it was going to be. I don’t think we had the wherewithal to match the intensity. I just feel we lost puck battles all over the rink and it’s hard to establish any sort of game that you want to play if you don’t win puck battles.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251130_BUS_536737_mike-sullivan-2_195c82c5.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Mike Sullivan" class="wp-image-526054"></figure><figcaption>Mike Sullivan at Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. </figcaption></figure>



<h2>Cooper’s postgame comment</h2>



As for Cooper and the Bolts, their stay in The Big Apple couldn’t have been any better. Coming into the campaign with sky-high hopes, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tampa-bay-lightning" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lightning</a> have seemingly managed to exceed expectations. After the commanding victory against the Rangers, Cooper made sure to praise his players for yet another spotless outing.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nhl/the-highest-paid-nhl-coaches"></div>


“Honestly, we’ve got a really good vibe going,” Cooper admitted. “These back-to-backs are tough. We knew they had it too, and they had a goalie that was playing both games so we thought, hopefully we could jump on them early. Fortunately, we did.”



<h2>Lightning strikes twice—and more</h2>



Tampa Bay has now won seven straight, improved to 16-7-2 (8-2-2 away) on the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> season, and is shaping up to be the biggest threat in the Eastern Conference. Only a glance around the locker room tells everything that needs to be known about the juggernaut in Cigar City.



The Lightning boast a roster that knows what it takes to win, a head coach whose leadership is second to none, an annual Hart Trophy candidate in Nikita Kucherov, enough depth to intimidate any opponent, and a goaltender in Andrei Vasilevskiy who routinely makes saves the human body shouldn’t be capable of. Needless to say, the Bolts are for real—and they made the most of their stay in New York City to put the league on notice.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251130_BUS_536737_Head-coach-Jon-Cooper-of-the-Tampa-Bay-Lightning-looks-on-during-third-period-action-against-the-Flo_b47ffa5c.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Jon Cooper during a game" class="wp-image-389572" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Jon Cooper at the Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida. </figcaption></figure>



<h2>The Rangers can’t catch a break</h2>



As for the Rangers, Shesterkin is capable of shutting the door just as well as any goalie in the league. However, with the team registering the fifth-lowest goals per game and the seventh-worst shots per game—2.63 and 25.9, respectively—the Russian netminder often finds himself left hanging out to dry. That’s especially true at Madison Square Garden, where the Blueshirts are 2-8-1 this season and have been outscored 31-17.

Mike Sullivan and Jon Cooper drop completely opposite statements highlighting current trend for NY Rangers and Lightning

Mike Sullivan and Jon Cooper drop completely opposite statements highlighting current trend for NY Rangers and Lightning - Bolavip US

Sullivan and Cooper drop completely opposite statements after Lightning beats Rangers

Just when the sun seemed to be rising on the New York Rangers, another disastrous outing changed the tune. Following the 4-1 loss at the hands of the Tampa Bay Lightning, captain <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jt-miller" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">J.T. Miller</a> took it upon himself to deliver a wake-up call for Mike Sullivan and company.



Riding a three-game winning streak, Miller and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-rangers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rangers</a> returned to Madison Square Garden. So far in the 2025-26 NHL season, the Broadway Blueshirts have consistently let their fans down at home—a lingering issue that remains unresolved. After the catastrophic loss to Tampa Bay, New York only saw that outstanding debt grow even larger.



This time, however, Miller knows exactly whom to point the blaming finger at. After the final horn went off, the captain made sure to address what can no longer be called a slump or a mental block. It seems to be a characteristic of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mike-sullivan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sullivan</a>’s Rangers—one that could send the season down the drain.



“We did it to ourselves,” J.T. Miller called it as it was after the defeat on home ice, via <a href="https://www.nhl.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL.com</a>. New York now registers a 2-8-1 record when playing at Madison Square Garden—the worst home mark in the NHL. The world’s most famous arena has always been a bucket list in New York City. With the Rangers’ current form, it’s become a dream rink for the rest of the league as well.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251130_BUS_536689_mike-sullivan-3_1a07a091.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Mike Sullivan of the New York Rangers" class="wp-image-529581"></figure><figcaption>Mike Sullivan at the Prudential Center on September 21, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Miller calls out the team</h2>



Even after allowing three goals in a loss, goalie Igor Shesterkin was named the third star of the game. Far from encouraging, it goes to show just how badly the Rangers were outplayed by the red-hot <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tampa-bay-lightning" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lightning</a>. Miller certainly didn’t let the embarrassing effort go unnoticed.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#20230316#BUS#216761"></div>


“There was no urgency today. We dipped our toe into the game and got outplayed basically the whole time. It’s unacceptable,” Miller added. “We’re trying to develop a standard and an identity around here and that was certainly not it.”



<h2>Lightning couldn’t be any different</h2>



As Tampa Bay bolted into MSG and brought back the ghosts from the not-so distant past to New York, the Lightning extended their great start to the 2025-26 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> campaign. Outshooting the Rangers 35-13, the win was not once at threat during the cold night in the Big Apple. 



After the game, Nick Paul’s comments reflected just how different the season is going for the Bolts. “I just feel like we found our team identity and we’re building on it,” Paul commented per NHL.com. “We found what it takes to win and we’re just buying in every single game.”

NHL News: NY Rangers captain J.T. Miller bluntly sends five-word statement to Mike Sullivan, teammates after loss to Lightning

NHL News: NY Rangers captain J.T. Miller bluntly sends five-word statement to Mike Sullivan, teammates after loss to Lightning - Bolavip US

NY Rangers captain Miller sends Sullivan, teammates five-word message

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/detroit-red-wings">Detroit Red Wings</a> are facing a harsh reality as their season continues to spiral downward. Once leading the Atlantic Division, the team now finds itself struggling to stay competitive, having lost 11 of their last 19 games. Friday’s matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning highlighted just how steep the climb back to relevance will be.



In Detroit’s 6–3 defeat at Little Caesars Arena, goals from Dylan Larkin and Michael Rasmussen weren’t enough to counter a dominant Lightning squad. Goaltender John Gibson allowed five goals, marking another rough outing for a Red Wings team searching for consistency. Fans and analysts alike have questioned what has gone wrong, but head coach <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/todd-mclellan}">Todd McLellan</a> offered his perspective on the ongoing struggles.



“Our players care, there’s no question about it, but that only takes you so far,” McLellan said, via <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/tampa-bay-lightning-detroit-red-wings-game-recap-november-28-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL.com</a>. “We gifted them their second goal and the [fifth] one at 4-on-4. We’re not good enough to be giving stuff away for free.” His assessment was blunt: talent exists on the roster, but performance is falling short.



<h2>Can the Red Wings turn things around?</h2>



McLellan didn’t hold back on the team’s deficiencies. “Do we have enough talent? Yes, I think we do. Are we playing well enough? No, we are not.” While dedication is evident, execution has repeatedly failed, leaving the Red Wings struggling in the standings.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Dylan Larkin scores his 14th. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LGRW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LGRW</a> <a href="https://t.co/YCVY3BaxZD">pic.twitter.com/YCVY3BaxZD</a>— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) <a href="https://twitter.com/DetroitRedWings/status/1994476947095867573?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



For their part, the Lightning continued their winning streak, improving to 15-7-2 and maintaining a lead atop the Atlantic Division. Tampa Bay’s dominance in chaotic net-front situations exposed a Red Wings defense that has been inconsistent all season.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nhl/nhl-news-canucks-quinn-hughes-clarifies-relationship-with-gm-jim-rutherford-amid-trade-rumors"></div>


<h2>Looking ahead to Boston</h2>



Detroit remains fifth in the Atlantic Division at 13-11-1, with plenty of hockey still to play. However, urgent improvements are necessary if the team hopes to climb the standings. On Saturday, the Red Wings travel to face the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/boston-bruins">Boston Bruins</a>, another Atlantic Division rival, providing an immediate chance to rebound.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="692b018fe2d53b59fb2f03aa" data-title="Will the Red Wings improve against Boston this weekend?" data-options="3"></div>


“Todd talked a lot about netfront play in the last couple of days,” said Larkin, Detroit’s captain. “And then we gave up two goals from the front of the net. Just about all of their goals were from chaos in front. We’re not winning those battles and it is frustrating.”

Red Wings coach Todd McLellan delivers harsh reality check after Lightning defeat

NHL News: Canadiens make major contract extension decision on defenseman Mike Matheson

Penguins’ Sidney Crosby offers clear take on Sharks star Macklin Celebrini amid NHL debate

NHL News: Todd McLellan delivers brutal reality check to Red Wings after Lightning loss - Bolavip US

McLellan delivers brutal reality check to Red Wings after Lightning loss

NHL News: Todd McLellan delivers brutal reality check to Red Wings after Lightning loss

Life is full of ironies and the New York Rangers seem to be living through them all in their first NHL season under <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mike-sullivan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mike Sullivan</a>. The goals have finally arrived in bunches for the Broadway Blueshirts, but the new bench-boss is far from pleased with the team’s performance.



No team in the NHL had scored more than five goals against the Tampa Bay Lightning so far in the 2025-26 season. That was until Sullivan and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-rangers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York</a> travelled down to Central Florida. The Rangers erupted for a seven-goal performance in the 7-3 victory. However, it wasn’t exactly a picture-perfect game for the new head coach in The Big Apple.



“I thought tonight, I don’t think we were at our best,” Sullivan admitted postgame, via The New York Post. “We were opportunistic. We had some pretty good looks and we scored on them. You could say the same about the last game. So, I don’t think they were the cleanest games from an execution standpoint on either side of the puck.”



<h2>The Rangers will gladly take it</h2>



Though Sullivan isn’t fully satisfied with the Rangers’ on-ice product, there are far worse outcomes than a 7-3 road win over the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tampa-bay-lightning" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lightning</a>. Injury-riddled? Yes—but Tampa Bay remains a competitive team capable of holding its own against any opponent in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a>. Regardless, when the Rangers visited Benchmark International Arena, New York’s squad painted the town red—along with white and blue. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251113_BUS_526028_mike-sullivan-1_7364a1a1.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Mike Sullivan during a game" class="wp-image-524027"></figure><figcaption>Mike Sullivan delivered a clear message on developing Gabriel Perreault</figcaption></figure>



“It obviously gives us a boost of confidence,” Sullivan commented. “The irony of it is, I feel like the games where we didn’t score, the effort and execution on both sides of the puck was really high.“


 

 

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nhl/nhl-news-mike-sullivan-ny-rangers-announce-bold-in-season-move-for-former-divisional-opponent"></div>


For a team that just days ago had yet to win a game at Madison Square Garden, stringing two victories together—with a combined score of 13-6—is all the Rangers could ask for to turn the tide. Now, they can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Moreover, the Rangers extended their red-hot form away from Manhattan, boasting an 8-1-1 mark on the road.



<h2>All they need</h2>



With their victory over the Bolts, another trend continued for the Rangers. So far in the season, the Blueshirts are undefeated in regulation (8-0-1) when scoring more than one goal. Instead, when scoring one or fewer goals, the Rangers fall to 0-7-1 in the season. One-goal games won’t cut it in the NHL, and New York’s case perfectly exemplifies that.



<h2>Vincent Trocheck: the C-less captain</h2>



Much speculation surrounded New York’s offseason decision on who would become the 29th captain in Rangers history. Among several strong candidates, J.T. Miller was eventually handed the honors. However, many argued Vincent Trocheck was exactly what the locker room needed for a leader. 



It’s far too early to declare the decision a hit or a miss, but Trocheck has made it clear that with or without the ‘C’, he’ll give his best and rally the troops in The Empire City. Making his return from an upper-body injury that sidelined him for 14 games, Trocheck hasn’t missed a beat. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251113_BUS_526028_Vincent-Trocheck-16-of-the-New-York-Rangers-arrives-for-the-game-against-the-New-York-Islanders-at-1024x576_2f63f7c3.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Vincent Trocheck #16 of the New York Rangers arrives for the game against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on February 25, 2025 in Elmont, New York." class="wp-image-371919" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Vincent Trocheck #16 of the New York Rangers arrives for a game. </figcaption></figure>



In his first two games back, the 32-year-old veteran recorded consecutive two-point performances. He can do it all—against the Nashville Predators, he tallied two assists, and against the Bolts, he did it himself, scoring a brace that halted any comeback attempt from Tampa Bay in its tracks.

Mike Sullivan turns heads with brutally honest admission after NY Rangers defeat Lightning

NHL News: Artemi Panarin makes major admission on key NY Rangers teammate for Mike Sullivan to hear

25 greatest New York Rangers in history: From Broadway brilliance to blue-line greatness

NHL News: Mike Sullivan drops sobering statement for NY Rangers after 7-3 win vs Lightning - Bolavip US

Sullivan drops sobering statement for NY Rangers after 7-3 win vs Lightning

NHL News: Mike Sullivan drops sobering statement for NY Rangers after 7-3 win vs Lightning

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brad-marchand" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brad Marchand</a> and the Florida Panthers will never see eye-to-eye with Jon Cooper and the Tampa Bay Lightning. In the 2025-26 NHL season, that is no different. As the Floridian rivals gear up for their first matchup of the campaign, the latest decision made in the Big Guava could raise eyebrows in Sunrise.



Marchand and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Panthers</a> haven’t forgotten about the heated preseason showdown with the Lightning. Even if Florida wanted to move on, the latest roster moves in Tampa made sure to remind the Cats about it. When the Cats and Bolts meet at Amerant Bank Arena on Nov. 15, a public enemy will return to Sunrise for the first time since being suspended by the NHL.



“The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tampa-bay-lightning" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tampa Bay Lightning</a> have recalled forwards Boris Katchouk and Scott Sabourin from the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League,” as announced by the organization through an <a href="https://www.nhl.com/lightning/news/tampa-bay-lightning-recall-forwards-boris-katchouk-scott-sabourin-from-ahl-syracuse-crunch#:~:text=TAMPA%20BAY%20%E2%80%93%20The%20Tampa%20Bay,Manager%20Julien%20BriseBois%20announced%20today." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">official statement</a>.



With <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jon-cooper" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper</a> and his staff mired in an injury crisis, changes were expected to the lineup. However, calling up two players known for their physical style could be seen as a warning shot to Marchand and the Panthers. If tempers flared in the preseason, there’s no reason to believe the air will be any less tense when these two despised organizations meet in a crucial Atlantic Division matchup.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251113_BUS_525635_Head-coach-Jon-Cooper-of-the-Tampa-Bay-Lightning-speaks-to-the-media-after-losing-to-the-Chicago-Bla-1024x576_56f324ad.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Head coach Jon Cooper of the Tampa Bay Lightning speaks to the media after losing to the Chicago Blackhawks 2-1 in Game Four of the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Final at the United Center on June 10, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois." class="wp-image-388552" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Jon Cooper of the Tampa Bay Lightning.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>What happened the last time Sabourin faced Marchand and the Panthers?</h2>



Sabourin has yet to make his official debut with the Lightning. However, he made quite a statement during the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> preseason finale. As the Bolts lost 7-0 to the Cats in a meaningless game ahead of the regular season, Sabourin went after defenseman Aaron Ekblad with no other intention but to injure the Panthers’ star blueliner. 


 

 

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nhl/nhl-news-brad-marchand-hints-at-retirement-with-sincere-admission-amid-best-career-start-with-panthers"></div>


As a result, the Department of Player Safety suspended him for four games. While he served his punishment, Sabourin has yet to make an appearance in the 2025-26 campaign. With the game against the Panthers circled in red, he is trending to make his way into the lineup for the Battle of Florida in Sunrise. 



Almost as if fate would have it, Sabourin’s last NHL appearance came during the 2024-25 season—against none other than the Panthers, while playing for the San Jose Sharks.



<h2>The Battle of Florida: Panthers vs Lightning</h2>



When people ask just how much the league has grown and evolved, mentioning that one of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl/top-greatest-rivalries-in-nhl-history" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fiercest rivalries in the NHL</a> now takes place between two organizations in the state of Florida should paint a clear picture. 



Either the Panthers or the Lightning has appeared in each of the last six Stanley Cup Finals, highlighting just how competitive hockey has become in The Sunshine State. Yet, for all they’ve done to grow the sport in Florida, these two teams absolutely despise each other. The Cats and Bolts can’t stand one another, and it makes for guaranteed entertainment whenever they go head-to-head. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251113_BUS_525635_brad-marchand-1-3-1024x576_3c68bc4f.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Brad Marchand in action" class="wp-image-517598" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Brad Marchand at Amerant Bank Arena on October 23, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida. </figcaption></figure>



<h2>Bad blood between the Cats and Bolts</h2>



Last season, Florida and Tampa Bay met for the fourth time in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, with the Panthers prevailing and tying the all-time playoff series record at two apiece. The depth of their hatred is best reflected in their penalty minutes: during the 2024-25 campaign, the Bolts and Cats combined for a staggering 134 PIMs across four meetings—an average of 33.5 per game. 



As the rivalry renews in the 2025-26 season, expect nothing less—especially with Sabourin expected to join the lineup, carrying a huge target on his back. Marchand and company won’t let the latest incident slide, so fans would be wise to buckle up, grab their popcorn, and get ready for an instant classic.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="691520802d286e1484d5ea7b" data-title="Who will win the season-series?" data-options="2"></div>

NHL News: Lightning HC Jon Cooper puts Brad Marchand, Panthers on notice with controversial call-ups

Brad Marchand’s net worth: ​How much fortune does the Florida Panthers left winger  have?

Brad Marchand’s five-game goal streak draws reaction from Paul Maurice after Panthers’ win vs Golden Knights

NHL News: Lightning HC Jon Cooper puts Brad Marchand, Panthers on notice with controversial call-ups - Bolavip US

Lightning HC Cooper puts Marchand, Panthers on notice with controversial call-ups

Jon Cooper made his thoughts clear after the Tampa Bay Lightning lost 3-2 to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nathan-mackinnon" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nathan MacKinnon</a>’s Colorado Avalanche in the 2025-26 NHL season. After a strong first period, the Bolts let the foot off the pedal, allowing the Avs to rally from behind and walk away with all two points.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tampa-bay-lightning" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tampa Bay</a> had won five games in a row entering the matchup with Colorado. However, the streak was drastically halted by the Avalanche. With the 3-2 loss in Denver, Cooper and the Lightning suffered their first loss since October 23. After the game, Cooper dropped a powerful wake-up call.



“It was good for a bit, and then we got in our own way. And when we get in our own way, it’s usually going to be tough for us,” <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jon-cooper" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jon Cooper</a> commented, via <a href="https://www.nhl.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL.com</a>. “I loved our first period. It was unfortunate that [there were] untimely penalties. We took those tonight, but they were a better team for periods two and three. So, that was a little disappointing.”



<h2>Top of the food chain</h2>



Though a tough pill to swallow for Cooper and the Bolts, losing to the Avalanche on the road should be far from discouraging. MacKinnon and the Avs sit on top of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> standings with 21 points through the opening 14 games of the 2025-26 season.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251105_BUS_521531_Head-coach-Jon-Cooper-of-the-Tampa-Bay-Lightning-speaks-to-the-media-after-losing-to-the-Chicago-Bla-1024x576_03e87661.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Head coach Jon Cooper of the Tampa Bay Lightning speaks to the media after losing to the Chicago Blackhawks 2-1 in Game Four of the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Final at the United Center on June 10, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois." class="wp-image-388552" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Jon Cooper of the Tampa Bay Lightning</figcaption></figure>



Meanwhile, Tampa registers 14 points, which currently has the Bolts fifth in the Atlantic Division. The Eastern Conference is jampacked at the moment, as no team is currently below the .500 mark. It’s still very early, but the race for the Stanley Cup Playoffs could very well turn into a bloodbath in the East.


 

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nhl/nathan-mackinnon-net-worth"></div>


<h2>MacKinnon stays hot</h2>



With an assist against the Bolts, the former first overall pick in the 2013 NHL entry Draft extended his point streak. Now, MacKinnon has scored or assisted in seven straight outings. Moreover, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/colorado-avalanche" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Avalanche</a>’s star stays atop the league leaders. Through 14 games, MacKinnon has recorded 10 goals (tied for best in the league) and 10 assists.

NHL News: Jon Cooper issues harsh reminder to Lightning after loss to Nathan MacKinnon’s Avalanche

Jon Cooper’s net worth: How much money does the Tampa Bay Lightning coach have?

NHL News: Jon Cooper issues harsh reminder to Lightning after loss to Nathan MacKinnon’s Avalanche - Bolavip US

Cooper issues harsh reminder to Lightning after loss to MacKinnon’s Avalanche

Jon Cooper’s <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tampa-bay-lightning" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tampa Bay Lightning</a> and the Los Angeles Kings have seemingly engaged in a game of hot potato. A handful of games into the 2025-26 NHL season, a recent addition to the Bolts is heading back to the Kings.



Phoenix Copley will surely hope he hasn’t lost the number of his real-estate agent in Los Angeles. After being claimed by <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jon-cooper" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper</a> and the Lightning off waivers prio to the start of the NHL season, the veteran goalie is headed back to the City of Angels.



“The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-kings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kings</a> have acquired goaltender Pheonix Copley from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for future considerations,” as announced by @LAKingsPR on X (formerly Twitter).



<h2>Short-lived stay in Big Guava</h2>



While the 33-year-old netminder hoped a change of scenery might re-ignite his <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> career, it simply wasn’t meant to be in Tampa. With rumors of Andrei Vasilevskiy being injured, Copley’s chances to man the Bolts’ crease temporarily increased. However, with Vasilevskiy having played in three of Tampa’s four games, there is no spot for the waiver addition in the lineup.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251015_BUS_509992_phoenix-copley-1024x576_79507c70.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-510034" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Phoenix Copley playing for the Los Angeles Kings</figcaption></figure>



Instead, the goaltender born and raised in North Pole, Alaska (not the actual North Pole, but a town roughly 1,700 miles from the top of the world) is headed back to Los Angeles. The odds of him serving an extended role like he did during the 2023-24 campaign—when he appeared in 37 games—are slim to none, however.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nhl/jon-cooper-net-worth"></div>


<h2>Goaltending room in LA</h2>



With Copley’s return to the organization, the Kings now boast a goalie room filled with experience. Darcy Kuemper (35), Anton Forsberg (32), and Phoenix Copley (33) will be competing for ice-time, though the former is the clear-cut starter. Los Angeles boasts one of the oldest goaltending rooms in the NHL.



After trading for Copley, the Kings have assigned 25-year-old Erik Portillo to the AHL affiliate Ontario Reign. In addition to Portillo, the Kings have 19-year-old goalie George Carter, who is signed to his entry-level contract, in their ranks as well.

NHL News: Jon Cooper, Lightning part ways with recent acquisition being bounced around with Kings

NHL News: Jon Cooper, Lightning part ways with recent acquisition being bounced around with Kings - Bolavip US

Cooper, Lightning part ways with recent acquisition being bounced around with Kings

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tampa-bay-lightning">Tampa Bay Lightning</a> and coach Jon Cooper were hit with significant penalties from the NHL following their actions in a preseason game against the Florida Panthers. The league fined the team $100,000 and penalized Coach Cooper an additional $25,000.



The total amount was levied by the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> Hockey Operations department due to “their actions culminating in the events of” the highly contentious matchup as reported by Frank Seravelli. The league stated that the entire sum collected from both the organization and the coach will be directed toward various charitable causes.



It is worth remembering that the preseason matchup was disastrous for both teams: 16 players were ejected, and a stunning total of 312 penalty minutes were reported—a level of chaos almost never seen during a preseason game. With the fines against the Lightning and Coach Cooper, the NHL clearly sought to be as tough as possible.



It should be noted that those were not the only penalties issued. As reported by Chris Johnston, four additional Lightning players were heavily disciplined: Goncalves was fined $3.1 million and Schmidt $2 million, while Sabourin was suspended for 4 games and Moser for 2 games.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Doesn&apos;t matter if it&apos;s preseason, the Battle of Florida will always be pure chaos 🥊 <a href="https://t.co/tJz3UfM2a1">pic.twitter.com/tJz3UfM2a1</a>— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) <a href="https://twitter.com/BR_OpenIce/status/1973913501669425241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2025</a></blockquote></div> 



<h2>Players Weigh In on Panthers-Lightning Brawl</h2>



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers">Panthers</a> forward Evan Rodrigues acknowledged the chaotic nature of the preseason brawl between the two rivals, admitting that the level of play devolved quickly. Rodrigues conceded that the action “got silly. It got stupid by the end of it,” adding critically that “it wasn’t really hockey out there.”



The Panthers were tipped off about the potential for chaos when the Lightning called up several players, prompting Eetu Luostarinen to say, “It made you think there might be something coming.” Meanwhile, Cooper suggested the melee was overdue, commenting: “I can’t believe it’s taken this long for something like that to happen.”

NHL hits Lightning and Jon Cooper with severe fines after violent preseason game vs Panthers

NHL hits Lightning and Jon Cooper with severe fines after violent preseason game vs Panthers - Bolavip US

Going after <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/aaron-ekblad" rel="nofollow">Aaron</a><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/aaron-ekblad" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> </a><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/aaron-ekblad" rel="nofollow">Ekblad</a> and other Florida Panthers stars came at a price for Jon Cooper and the Tampa Bay Lightning. As the NHL’s Department of Player Safety conducted hearings with players involved, a veteran minor-league player in Tampa has been suspended.



The NHL season wouldn’t feel right if there weren’t bad blood already boiling between the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Panthers</a> and Lightning. The Battle of Florida is alive and well—and the two organizations have yet to meet in an official game.



Following Scott Sabourin’s roughing call against Ekblad during the preseason finale, the Department of Player Safety stepped in, handing the forward on the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tampa-bay-lightning" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lightning</a> a multi-game suspension. 



“Tampa Bay Lightning forward Scott Sabourin is suspended four games for roughing against Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad,” as announced by @NHLPlayerSafety through its X account (formerly Twitter).



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Scott Sabourin RAN OVER Aaron Ekblad and then started throwing punches 😳 <a href="https://t.co/TAMXJnozXM">pic.twitter.com/TAMXJnozXM</a>— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) <a href="https://twitter.com/GinoHard_/status/1974615184271372762?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2025</a></blockquote></div>



<h2>Sent a message</h2>



After a heated preseason game in Tampa, the Bolts and Cats met again in Sunrise for the third and final time in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> preseason. Right from the get-go, the Lightning came out of the gate determined to go after the reigning Stanley Cup champions.


 

 

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nhl/nhl-punishes-multiple-lightning-players-with-maximum-fines-and-schedules-hearings-after-heated-loss-to-panthers"></div>


Just over two minutes into the game, Sabourin chased Ekblad into the end wall before delivering a body hit. It was all legal up to that point, but the undrafted veteran then struck the former first-overall pick in the face and dropped the gloves, even though Ekblad had no intention of getting into a fight.



It was clear the Lightning weren’t looking to win as much as they were trying to avenge the events of the past game. As a result, three Bolts’ players were ejected in the opening 15 minutes. What was supposed to be an exhibition turned ugly, leading to 322 penalty minutes, 16 ejections, and two suspensions handed out to Tampa Bay.



In addition to Sabourin, blueliner J.J. Moser has been suspended two games for boarding Florida forward Jesper Boqvist. Contrary to Sabourin, Moser might play a big role for Cooper and the Bolts. Last season, he made 54 appearances, recording 14 points (2G, 12A).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251006_BUS_504277_Jon-Cooper-1-1024x576_e7d5d21e.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-377367" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Jon Cooper attends a press conference </figcaption></figure>



<h2>Can afford it</h2>



While a four-game suspension to start the season would be costly for any NHL team when it comes to key players, Sabourin isn’t quite that for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jon-cooper" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper</a>’s Lightning. Since 2020, Sabourin has played in just 12 NHL games, being mostly utilized in the AHL. 


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="68e43e4d7193bec65e18dbca" data-title="Do you agree with the NHL&apos;s suspension for Sabourin?" data-options="3"></div>


After signing as a free agent in Tampa during the summer, his role isn’t expected to change. His spot on the organization is most likely reserved on the Syracuse Crunch. Thus, him being suspended four games by the NHL is anything but a big blow to the roster in Cigar City.

NHL News: Panthers’ Aaron Ekblad roughing leads to multi-game suspension for Lightning’s minor-league veteran

NHL News: Panthers give up on former Brad Marchand teammate despite stellar preseason run

NHL News: Panthers’ Hall of Famer trolls Oilers fans after Connor McDavid extension with five-word comment

NHL News: Panthers' Aaron Ekblad roughing leads to multi-game suspension for Lightning's minor-league veteran - Bolavip US

Panthers' Ekblad roughing leads to multi-game suspension for Cooper, Lightning's veteran

The Battle of Florida never fails to deliver—not even in the NHL preseason. After a chaotic showdown between the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tampa-bay-lightning" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tampa Bay Lightning</a> and the Florida Panthers, the league’s Department of Player Safety had its hands full with several fines and hearings handed out.



The Lightning were dismantled in their visit to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Panthers</a> in the preseason finale. Florida got the better of their in-state archenemies en route to a 7–0 victory. As expected, the Bolts didn’t stand with their arms crossed as the Cats ran circles around them. Though an unofficial NHL game, bad blood is always running when the Lightning and Panthers collide.



After a series of scary-looking hits by both sides, all hell broke loose in the Sunshine State. Now, it’s up to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a>’s Department of Player Safety to clear the air and address each incident. On that note, they will have a lot on their plate prior to opening night on October 7.



As announced by @NHLPlayerSafety on X (formerly Twitter), Tampa Bay skaters Roman Schmidt and Gage Goncalves have been fined for cross-checking Carter Verhaeghe and Evan Rodrigues, respectively. Schmidt was fined $2,098.52, and Goncalves had $3,125 deducted from his bank account. Both are the maximum allowable under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251005_BUS_503693_gage-concalves-1024x576_ad90a9a3.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-503745" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Gage Goncalves with the Tampa Bay Lightning</figcaption></figure>



<h2>What’s the max?</h2>



Though both fines are listed as maximum, many fans wondered why Goncalves and Schmidt must pay different amounts. That is largely due to the contracts to which each Bolt is signed to. 


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nhl/nhl-news-jon-cooper-lightning-add-intriguing-veteran-amid-growing-concerns-around-andrei-vasilevskiy"></div>

 

 


According to scoutingtherefs.com, fines are capped at 50% of one day’s salary, with a maximum of $5,000 without a hearing. If a hearing takes place, the league can issue a fine up to $10,000.



<h2>Need to have a talk</h2>



Meanwhile, fellow Lightning teammates J.J. Moser and Scott Sabourin have been scheduled for hearings with the NHL’s Department of Player Safety. Moser is being investigated for boarding Jesper Boqvist, whereas Sabourin is summoned for roughing Aaron Ekblad. Both hearings’ dates have yet to be decided. As a result, the Bolts could miss the two players with game suspensions.



Though happy with the victory to close out the preseason, the Panthers were visibly upset about the Lightning’s behavior. During his postgame interview, forward Mackie Samoskevich issued a sharp statement directed at Tampa Bay.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251005_BUS_503693_mackie-samoskevich-1024x576_d81e45b7.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-437901" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Mackie Samoskevich of the Florida Panthers</figcaption></figure>



“Let them do their thing,” Samoskevich said. “Just trying to protect ourselves. They didn’t really plan on playing hockey tonight. We got bigger things coming ahead.”



The NHL is back, and the Battle of Florida hasn’t lost a step. Back in full swing, the Panthers and Lightning will surely not let go of this past encounter when they meet for the first time in the regular season on November 15. It may seem a long way off, but make no mistake—when it comes to the Cats and the Bolts, they never forget.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="68e2a22f7193bec65e18dbb5" data-title="Who will win the Atlantic Division?" data-options="8"></div>

NHL punishes multiple Lightning players with maximum fines and schedules hearings after heated loss to Panthers

NHL News: Connor McDavid’s Oilers make final decision on former Panthers’ draft selection

NHL teams that achieved back-to-back Stanley Cup victories: How many have won consecutive titles?

NHL punishes multiple Lightning players with maximum fines and schedules hearings after heated loss to Panthers - Bolavip US

NHL punishes multiple Lightning players with maximum fines after loss to Panthers

Latest news from tampa bay lightning. Find out about all the news related to tampa bay lightning on bolavip.com/en