Paying the Piper: Lightning Sends a Message as Battle of Florida Heats Up
- Ernie Norquist
- Oct 7
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 10
By Ernie Norquist | Thunderstrucksports.com
“What Greer did to Hagel was gutless.”
Pat Maroon
Sometimes, you’ve got to pay the piper to get a message across.
The Battle of Florida, once considered an afterthought in the NHL scene, has developed into one of the league’s most genuine rivalries. As the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers finished their preseason series, it was obvious this wasn’t just a warm-up; it was a warning shot.
Forget “evaluating talent.” These games weren’t about who would make the roster. They focused on tone, intent, and pride. Both teams understand what’s at stake and emphasized that this season’s story will not be the same as the last.
A Rivalry Forged in Fire
The Panthers’ tough, playoff-tested style has sent them to three straight Stanley Cup Finals, often at the expense of the Lightning. Tampa Bay fans still remember the Hagel hit that knocked out one of their top players and made them wonder “what if” during the handshakes after Game Five.
That memory hasn’t faded. It has lingered in locker rooms, film sessions, and at every puck drop since. Florida’s rise came from perfecting the Lightning’s own formula: speed, structure, and relentless physicality. And Tampa Bay, proud as ever, has no intention of being the team that simply hands over the crown in the Sunshine State.
Preseason, in Name Only
As a self-proclaimed casual observer of preseason hockey, I’ve rarely seen this kind of fire before the official games start. Early matchups with Carolina and Nashville were energetic, but when the series moved to Orlando and then Amalie Arena, now called The Benchmark International Arena, the intensity quickly increased.
When A.J. Greer delivered a questionable hit on Brandon Hagel, it felt like déjà vu. This time, the Lightning didn’t just notice; they responded. There was no panic, no loss of discipline, just a clear message that the Lightning weren’t going to let the Panthers dictate the emotional temperature of the game. Tampa Bay’s roster might be evolving, but the culture remains fierce.
Maroon Still Sets the Tone
Few voices carry more influence in Tampa Bay than Pat Maroon’s. The three-time Stanley Cup champion and the team’s new color commentator didn’t hold back when he called Greer’s hit “gutless.”
Maroon’s comment wasn’t just an analysis; it was a declaration from someone who understands the Lightning’s DNA. He’s experienced the battles, lifted the Cups, and now, from the broadcast booth, still commands respect in the locker room. Even in a tailored suit, “Big Rig” can change the mood of a rivalry.
The Fine Line Between Tough and Reckless
Hockey’s identity has always balanced between artistry and aggression. I saw my first NHL fight at Chicago Stadium in 1972, when the crowd roared as sticks and gloves flew across the ice. The game has evolved since then, faster, more intelligent, more skilled. Critics argue that the league has become too lenient without enforcers. Others claim it’s never been better.
Both sides are right. However, rivalries like Lightning–Panthers show there’s still room for grit. It’s no longer about goons; it’s about team toughness. It’s about standing your ground without losing your head.
A Storm on the Horizon
If the preseason was any sign, this year’s Battle of Florida will be a season-long battle of willpower. Both teams understand what the other brings. Both carry scars from their shared history. And both are too skilled to give in first.
When the puck drops for real, expect fireworks and a little payback.
I think Jon Cooper will happily pay the $20K fine the league’s Department of Player Safety imposed. The Panthers’ locker room is now on notice, with his checkbook a little lighter.
Make no mistake, November 15th has been circled on both locker rooms’ calendars.
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