Blood, bias and the Battle of Florida: how the NHL’s dirtiest rivalry exposed hockey’s old-boy rot

The rivalry between the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning has evolved from a minor regional matchup into a significant clash that reflects broader societal issues in America, including politics and privilege. This transformation highlights the NHL's ongoing struggles with bias and power dynamics, revealing how these factors influence the sport and its culture. Understanding this rivalry is crucial as it not only showcases the intensity of competition but also serves as a lens through which we can examine deeper societal problems.