Jaromir Jagr’s biggest playoff concern might center around rubber rats.
The Florida Panthers on Thursday night celebrated the 20th anniversary of winning the Eastern Conference by handing out rubber rats to fans. For anyone unfamiliar about why the Panthers might do that …
So, of course, the rat handout went how you’d expect. Fans eventually threw the rats onto the ice, causing a delay. Referees warned that further rat throwing (and another subsequent delay) would result in a penalty on Florida.
The Panthers scored again, and again, the rats rained down. The referees kept to their word and slapped the Panthers with a delay of game penalty. But here’s the thing: There’s a theory being floated around that the second wave of rodents actually came from New Jersey Devils fans in attendance.
Moller brings up a great point on TV… It's Devils fans throwing rats to get the Panthers penalized.
— Marc Hochman (@MarcHochman) April 1, 2016
Very shrewd. Also, a potential problem for the Panthers entering the playoffs. That’s where Jagr’s concern comes into play. He told reporters after the game he was afraid fans of the opposing team would try to do the same thing in the playoffs.
It’s a tremendous point by Jagr, and it’s actually something to keep an eye on as the Stanley Cup playoffs approach.
h/t to Puck Daddy
Thumbnail photo via Robert Mayer/USA TODAY Sports Images
