Although the Winter Olympics are taking place in Milan, the intense NHL rivalry between Florida teams remains front and center, with Matthew Tkachuk at its heart. Tkachuk’s Panthers teammate, Sam Bennett, stepped in as a late addition to Team Canada after Brayden Point from the Tampa Bay Lightning had to withdraw due to injury, prompting Tkachuk to declare Bennett
“definitely an upgrade for their team.”
Recent Brawl Highlights Heated Florida Team Rivalry
The Panthers and Lightning ended their North American games before the Olympic break in a contentious match involving a brawl that led to 13 penalties, where Tkachuk played a key role. Brandon Hagel, a forward for both the Lightning and Team Canada, who previously fought Tkachuk during the 4 Nations Face-Off last February, was also involved in the altercation.
This is so good for the game,
Hagel said after the game, as reported by ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski.
If you look back in the day, the rivalries were insane. It needs to get back into the game. It’s good for the players, shows a lot about the character of guys on your team. They’re fun. They’re playoff games.
— Brandon Hagel, Forward
Canada’s Olympic Campaign and Future Matchups
The classic rivalry between Canada and the U.S. remains strong but, due to their placement in different groups at the Olympics, their potential meeting will have to wait until the knockout stages. The men’s hockey tournament begins on Wednesday, with Canada set to face Czechia in their opening game on Thursday. This adds anticipation to the Olympic competition as fans look forward to how the NHL rivalries will continue on the international stage.
Brandon Hagel on Battle of Florida:
“This is so good for the game. If you look back in the day, the rivalries were insane. It needs to get back into the game. It’s good for the players, shows a lot about the character of guys on your team. They’re fun. They’re playoff games.” pic.twitter.com/lIVv5IhXjg
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) February 6, 2026
