A general view of the empty ice rink prior to the game between the Florida Panthers and the Los Angeles Kings Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Panthers investigating incident involving mascot, Lightning fan

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 2/8/23

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.

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
— Andy Slater (@AndySlater) February 7, 2023

Viktor E. Rat would have to file a complaint with police for charges to be pressed against this Lightning fan.

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
— Andy Slater (@AndySlater) February 8, 2023

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.

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