The Lightning beat the Panthers 5-2 last night, picking up another pre-season victory. With a line-up that resembled what we’ll see on opening night (for the most part) the Lightning literally fought back from an early deficit to pick up the win. It was…not a great night to evaluate 5v5 play. The penalties started early and rolled all throughout the night as the teams finished with a combined 186 minutes and a very thin bench at the end of the game.
Goals came from Anthony Cirelli, Jake Guentzel (x2), Brayden Point, and Conor Geekie while Brandon Halverson ended up with 16 saves on 18 shots. He got the job done, but it was often a struggle, which included an ill-advised trip out to retrieve the puck near the blueline. It did not go well and Eetu Luostarinen had an empty net for the goal.
Grab your snacks and get comfortable 🍿… Seven goals and 186 PIM combined between two Florida rivals! Listen back to the full highlights with Dave Mishkin and the HOF Phil Esposito as the Bolts claim another preseason victory on 102.5 The Bone. #FLAvsTBL youtu.be/T9CTb0_O9h8
— Lightning Audio Network (@boltsradio.bsky.social) October 2, 2025 at 10:59 PM
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With these types of games, the hope is that everyone gets through without a serious injury. While we don’t know how bad things are both teams had players leave early as Brandon Hagel left after an altercation and Anton Lundell didn’t finish the game for the Panthers.
After the game, the players and the coaches toed the party line, stating that it was just another game, and downplaying the feisty aspects of the game. On the Panthers side, where most of their top players were getting their first game action, they bemoaned the lack of 5v5 with Coach Paul Maurice referring to the game in terms of a glorified scrimmage.
Will it carry over to the final pre-season game on Saturday down in Sunrise? Possibly. However, it wouldn’t be a huge surprise if both teams make some AHL recalls just to ensure no one else is knocked out for the important games.
