Archive · 23 May 2025
Panthers' Rat-Throwing: From Tradition to Playoff Weapon Targeting Marchand
The Florida Panthers have a long-standing tradition of throwing plastic rats after games.
This started in the 90s when a player killed a rat, and then scored.
Now, players throw plastic rats, especially at Bruins player Brad Marchand, after wins.
The coach, Paul Maurice, thinks it's funny.
It's a throwback to their history, when fans would throw rats to celebrate.
The NHL changed rules to manage it, but the tradition has made a comeback.
The Florida Panthers are using plastic rats as projectiles, specifically targeting Brad Marchand.
Head coach Paul Maurice approves and finds the practice humorous.
The tradition began in the 1995-96 season after a player killed a rat in the locker room.
Fans started throwing rats on the ice after goals, a practice that defined the team's playoff run.
The NHL made rules to manage the tradition, which has resurfaced in the 2024-25 playoffs.
- Who
- Florida Panthers players, targeting Brad Marchand, and fans.
- What
- Throwing plastic rats on the ice during playoff games, a tradition with a new twist.
- When
- Ongoing in the 2024-25 playoffs; tradition began in 1995-96 season.
- Where
- Florida
- Why
- To celebrate wins and, in the current playoff season, target Brad Marchand.
- Team
- Florida Panthers
- Target
- Brad Marchand
- Tradition Start
- 1995-96 season
- Involvement
- Players, fans, and coach
- Current Status
- Ongoing in the 2024-25 playoffs