The Boston Bruins & Florida Panthers wasted no time getting physical in their season opener as things got heated when Bruins forward Trent Frederic called out Matthew Tkachuk for his behavior.
Last season the Panthers knocked the Bruins out of the playoffs & went on to win the Stanley Cup. This rivalry seems to be just getting started. On Tuesday the Panthers raised their championship banner before facing the Bruins & the intensity began right away. In the first period Mark Kaselic & A.J. Greer dropped the gloves to kick off a physical game.
The rough play continued throughout the night, with Frederic trying to engage Tkachuk in a fight. After Tkachuk declined, Frederic had some strong words, accusing Tkachuk of breaking the "hockey code." Reportedly, Tkachuk had asked Frederic to fight but backed out when the time came, instead trying to draw Frederic into a penalty.
Frederic expressed his frustration, saying:
Shortly after, the Panthers took control of the game, scoring multiple goals, and their fans joined in by mocking the Bruins over the Jeremy Swayman situation. While the Panthers won the night and celebrated their Stanley Cup victory, Boston fans will surely remember this game when the teams meet again at TD Garden.
With two of the NHL's top teams and plenty of history between them, every matchup this season will be one to watch.
POLL | ||
9 OCTOBRE | 154 ANSWERS Matthew Tkachuk embarrassed by Trent Frederic for breaking the hockey code Do you think the Florida Panthers will finish over the Boston Bruins this season in the standings? | ||
Yes | 108 | 70.1 % |
No | 46 | 29.9 % |
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