No story defined the Tampa Bay Lightning more in 2025 than their rivalry with the Florida Panthers. From the Panthers' domination of the Bolts in the playoffs, to Brandon Hagel's hit on Sasha Barkov and Aaron Ekblad's retribution, to their chaotic preseason showdown, it's safe to call the Battle of Florida the NHL's fiercest rivalry. 

In Part 1 of Locked on Lightning's Year-in-Review Special, Nick Morgan and Greg Stephen break down how the physical playoff series and the NHL's controversial handling of the team's two preseason battles ignited tension that still persists. We also debate the Isaac Howard trade drama, Lightning’s evolving bottom-six, and the impact of softer team identity after losing enforcers like Pat Maroon and Corey Perry. With new faces like Dominic James and Pontus Holmberg, plus a shift in team toughness, will Tampa Bay regain its edge and rivalry advantage—or is the balance of power in Florida here to stay?

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