Just like old times.
After the Florida Panthers finally got on the score board in the second period on a goal from Jonathan Huberdeau against the New Jersey Devils, fans at the BB&T Center in Sunrise threw hundreds of plastic rats onto the ice -- just like they used to during Florida’s playoff run in 1996.
That prompted this warning:
Announcement that if fans throw rats on the ice again there will be a delay of game penalty called on the home team
— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) April 1, 2016
Now, later in the game, as Huberdeau scored his second of the night, more rats were thrown onto the ice, prompting officials to call a penalty against the Panthers.
Quinton Howden was called upon to serve the penalty.
#FlaPanthers hit with a delay of game penalty after giveaway rats hit the ice following Huberdeau's second goal... pic.twitter.com/ZXEsEqNEFJ
— George Richards (@GeorgeRichards) April 1, 2016
In 1996, it was OK to toss rubber rats onto the ice following a goal; NHL changed rule because of #FlaPanthers ... Serving the delay now..
— George Richards (@GeorgeRichards) April 1, 2016