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.
Florida Panthers spokesperson tells me this was not staged and they are investigating it.
— Andy Slater (@AndySlater) February 7, 2023
Sunrise Police tells me they have seen the video but were not contacted by the Panthers, so they have done nothing. https://t.co/fpLOcrPCNM
Viktor E. Rat would have to file a complaint with police for charges to be pressed against this Lightning fan.
— Andy Slater (@AndySlater) February 8, 2023
A mascot source tells me that Viktor E's normal handler was off that night. The replacement didn't seem to intervene much, nor did the usher.#Panthers https://t.co/Sec7qGVThW
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.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!