Overview

• Florida routed Tampa Bay 7-0 in Sunrise, but the night was defined by 64 penalties totaling 312 minutes and 13 game misconducts.
• An apparent 8-0 goal was erased when officials learned Niko Mikkola, already ejected, had recorded an assist, leading to a bench minor for Florida.
• Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad left after being punched by Lightning call-up Scott Sabourin early in the first period and will be evaluated Sunday, coach Paul Maurice said.
• Florida converted 6 of 20 power plays, with Evan Rodrigues netting a power-play hat trick and Mackie Samoskevich adding two, while the Lightning managed no shots in the third.
• The rivalry’s recent playoff bad blood carried into the preseason, and multiple incidents from the game are expected to draw NHL Player Safety review.