WATCH: Matt Kastelic & A.J. Greer exchange heavy hits in heated Bruins-Panthers 1st period

The Bruins-Panthers Opening Night matchup provided an opportunity for these clubs to renew hostilities on Tuesday night. The defending Stanley Cup champs kicked off their season against one of their fiercest division rivals.

But the rivalry took on a whole new dimension with Bruins newcomer Mark Kastelic and the Cats’ A.J. Greer dropping the gloves early in the first period.

The brouhaha featured some heavyweight blows traded left and right. While the tilt could be called a draw, the most surprising part of this Bruins-Panthers altercation was it occurred early in the first period.

The bad blood between these two clubs runs deep, with the bout setting the tone for what could be one of the most entertaining season series in the NHL. Fans can’t wait to see all the action to come in this spirited Bruins-Panthers matchup.

For now, NHL fans have been treated to a dramatic Opening Night matchup between two of the Eastern Conference’s best clubs.

Trent Frederic and Sam Bennett also get physical in Bruins-Panthers matchup

Boston Bruins forward Trent Frederic is no stranger to throwing his weight around. Meanwhile, the Panthers' Sam Bennett is not one to back down.Put those two players together, and trouble is bound to happen.

Well, that’s exactly what took place following the Kastelic-Greer bout in the first period of the Bruins-Panthers tilt. With a little over 10 minutes to go in the first, Frederic and Bennett had some choice words for one another, leading to another spirited altercation.

The friendly chat happened following an open-ice collision at the Panthers' blue line where Bennett and Frederic traded pushes and shoves.Everyone on the ice jumped into the fray with the officials needing to break up the combatants wrestling each other.

The altercation took place with the Panthers already leading 2-0. The B’s cut the lead in half, before the Panthers exploded for two more goals, heading into the first intermission with a 4-1 lead.

Bennett had the last laugh on Frederic and the Bruins by scoring two goals, including the game’s opening marker. Fans can expect plenty more fireworks in what has been a tremendous game as part of the NHL’s Opening Night tripleheader.

The two teams will meet again on October 14 at the TD Garden in Boston. The Bruins will likely seek revenge for Tuesday night’s events.