The Florida Panthers are investigating an incident from Monday night’s game that shows a Tampa Bay Lightning fan seemingly assaulting their mascot, Viktor E. Rat.
In the video, both the attack from the fan and the lack of intervention are shocking.
As one of the videos shows, the host Panthers (25-22-6) were leading the Lightning (32-16-2) in a blowout, 7-1 at the time. That ended up being the final score, as 2023 All-Star Game MVP Matthew Tkachuk notched two goals and three assists for five points and head coach Paul Maurice earned his 800th career win.
According to a report by David Wilson of the Miami Herald, Monday’s win was the Panthers’ first against the Lightning in over a year. Florida’s next game will be Thursday at home against the San Jose Sharks.
The two teams won’t play on the Panthers’ home ice again this season — barring a meeting in the Eastern Conference playoffs — but will square off in Tampa Bay on Feb. 28.
