In a game that had fans buzzing both on and off the ice, the Minnesota Wild edged out the Florida Panthers with a thrilling 3-2 win in Sunrise, FL. However, the action wasn't confined to the rink. Wild play-by-play announcer Anthony LaPanta stirred the pot with a social media post that poked fun at the Panthers' attendance, sparking a heated response from Florida fans.
LaPanta's post featured a snapshot of the crowd at Amerant Bank Arena, accompanied by a tongue-in-cheek comment about the visibility of Panthers fans outside of the Stanley Cup Finals. The jab quickly drew ire from Panthers supporters, including Ken LaVicka, the voice of Florida Atlantic football and basketball, who didn't hold back in his response.
The online backlash was swift, with fans pointing to the Wild's own broadcast rankings and history. Some referenced the North Stars' departure from Minnesota and the Wild’s championship drought, while others highlighted the Panthers' recent success, including two consecutive Stanley Cup titles.
The conversation spilled over into the airwaves, with The Dan Le Batard Show joining the fray. Host Jonathan Zaslow criticized LaPanta for posting during the game and highlighted the announced attendance of nearly 19,000, which, despite being below Florida’s season average, was still impressive. Zaslow also noted that the photo likely captured a section known for its hospitality perks, where fans might linger at the buffet.
Zaslow didn’t miss the chance to throw a jab back at Minnesota, referencing the North Stars' move to Texas. Though the relocation wasn't due to lack of fan support, it remains a sore point for some.
Despite the off-ice drama, Minnesota fans have shown unwavering support, evidenced by their past sellout streaks, even during challenging seasons.
As the Panthers face an injury-plagued season and miss the playoffs after their recent triumphs, the exchange serves as a reminder of the passionate fan bases and rivalries that make the NHL so captivating. Whether LaPanta's comment was a playful jab or a misstep, it certainly added an extra layer of intrigue to an already exciting matchup.