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Florida Panthers Mock Leafs Fans in Postgame After Routing Hurricanes

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Charlie McAfee | Last updated May 25, 2025 12:20 AM ET

The Florida Panthers seemingly aren't over the Eastern Conference Semis, taking time to mock the Toronto Maple Leafs and their fans response to Game 7.

It's pretty much a foregone conclusion that the Florida Panthers are going to make it to the Stanley Cup Finals for the second straight year.

Taking a 3-0 series lead against the Carolina Hurricanes has put a stranglehold on the Conference Finals with no end in sight.

Led by Niko Mikkola's two goal effort, the Panthers ran wild over the Hurricanes and walked away with a 6-2 win, a number that seems to be benefiting the Panthers during the playoffs.

But it was their message to fans that has some wondering if they are still frustrated about going seven games with Toronto because the Florida faithful got a stern warning from Amerant Bank Arena.

It's a shot at the Maple Leafs fans for throwing jerseys on the ice in disapproval of Toronto's failure to win a Game 7 yet again.

While one could be believed that the Amerant Bank Arena doesn't want fans to throw things on the ice, it's tradition in Florida to throw plastic rats onto the ice in celebration, much like Detroit likes to throw octopi.

The tradition for the Panthers started way back in 1996, where forward Scott Mellanby ended up killing a rat in the locker room, being a good luck charm that led the Panthers to the Finals where they were swept by Colorado, and leading fans to shower the team with plastic rodents in celebration.

Knowing how much throwing things on the ice has been a tradition for the team, it certainly feels like a shot towards Toronto.

It very well could have been a genuine PA announcement, but knowing how the Panthers operate: It's more than likely a low blow.

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

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