Hot hockey playoffs in Florida

Who can say Florida is not a hockey-oriented state?! It may not have a D1 program, but five professional teams call Florida home. They all made the playoffs: two in the NHL and three in the ECHL.

The Tampa Bay Lightning will host its neighbors, the Florida Panthers, in the first round of the NHL playoffs. The rivalry begins or continues, depending on how you look at it, on Tuesday, April 22, at the Amelie Arena in Tampa. 

Economically, seeing two frenemies face off in the Eastern Conference finals would be more beneficial and fun. But the hockey Gods are testing fans again. The Panthers will hold on to their Stanley Cup champion status for at least two more months. 

The Lightning home opener, October 2024

Another "too familiar" pair entertained the crowd with 5-on-5 brawls during the series' second game on Saturday in the southwestern part of the Sunshine State. The 3-time reigning Kelly Cup champions, the Florida Everblades, upset the Jacksonville Icemen with a 2-1 win in overtime. Will the Icemen return the favor on home soil and rise from 0-2 in the series?! They have time to celebrate Easter with their families and find some luck during the egg hunt.

Kia Center, Florida Derby 2025

Central Florida will get its icy treatment when the Solar Bears bring the best-of-seven series home. The South Carolina Stingrays are on a road trip with a 2-0 lead. It's time to show your support for the Bears. Here is the schedule:

South Carolina @ Orlando Solar Bears

Game 3 - Monday, April 21 at 7 p.m. - Kia Center

Game 4 - Wednesday, April 23 at 7 p.m. - Kia Center

*Game 5 - Thursday, April 24 at 7 p.m. - Kia Center

Pick your Florida champion wisely. We love to toss the trophies here in Florida.