"It’s ok refs won": NHL fans react to Tampa Bay Lightning's loss to Florida Panthers with empty net goal

The Tampa Bay Lightning suffered a disappointing 3-2 loss in Game 1 of their playoff series against the Florida Panthers. After trading goals in the first period, Florida pulled away in the third with two strikes, before a late goal from Steven Stamkos reduced the deficit.

Fans quickly took to Twitter to their thoughts and frustrations.

One fan, seemingly disillusioned with the result, expressed a sentiment echoed by many:

"it’s ok refs won."

One fan offered words of understanding and solidarity:

"We don’t have any words and we know you don’t want to hear them. We understand your anger, your frustration, your sadness. Everything you’re feeling – we get it. This isn’t the ending we imagined, and certainly not the one we wanted. Thank you for being there the entire way."

The officiating debate resurfaced with another fan suggesting that the referees played a pivotal role in the outcome.

"Honestly, the refs absolutely influenced that game. Guys become hesitant when they keep getting called while the opponent is free to just go. At least it's a series they can't be all this badly officiated. That last penalty doesn't get called had they not scored the empty net," the fan tweeted.

Amidst the disappointment, one fan adopted a more optimistic outlook.

"It’s okay, reset learn from it and get ready for game 2," one fan tweeted.

Analyzing the game's performance, another fan pinpointed a specific area for improvement.

"First line was a complete non-factor. Everybody else showed up. Get the first line moving from the jump and we got this," the fan tweeted.

One fan expressed hope for a turnaround in Game 2, emphasizing the importance of regrouping and learning from their mistakes.

"Expected. Regroup and learn from it boys," one fan tweeted.

However, strategic decisions also came under scrutiny, with one fan questioning the timing of going empty net late in the game.

"Shouldn’t have went empty net with 3 minutes left in a 2-1 game smh," the fan tweeted.

Florida Panthers secure Game 1 victory over Tampa Bay Lightning in NHL playoff series

Brandon Hagel's goal cancelled out Sam Reinhart's opener as little separated the two teams after the first two periods. Carter Verhaeghe gave the Panthers the lead early in the third period, assisted by Aleksander Barkov. Matthew Tkachuk scored in an empty net to extend the lead before Stamkos reduced the arrears.

Sergei Bobrovsky made 17 saves in net, while Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 25 shots.

The win gave Florida a 1-0 series lead, a rare occurrence against their Sunshine State rivals.