Situated in the Miami metropolitan area, the Florida Panthers are a professional ice hockey team participating in the National Hockey League (NHL). Originally playing their home games at the Miami Arena, the team later relocated to the Amerant Bank Arena in 1998, situated in Sunrise, Florida.
As the southernmost team in the NHL, the Panthers are members of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference. Bally Sports Florida, previously known as SportsChannel and Fox Sports Florida, has held the team's local broadcasting rights since 1996. The Panthers maintain affiliations with two minor league teams: the Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League (AHL) and the Florida Everblades of the ECHL.
The Panthers made their NHL debut in the 1993–94 season, setting a record for the most points by an expansion team in its inaugural season, a record later surpassed by the Vegas Golden Knights in 2017–18. The 2021–22 season brought success as the Panthers secured the Presidents' Trophy with the best regular-season record but were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs.
While reaching the Stanley Cup Finals twice—in 1996, facing a defeat against the Colorado Avalanche, and in 2023, experiencing another loss to the Golden Knights—the team had a modest playoff history until 2022. Between 1996 and 2022, they qualified for the Stanley Cup playoffs only seven times, achieving their first playoff series victory in 2022 after a prolonged drought.
Florida Panthers Mascot Viktor E. Ratt
In 2007, the Panthers made an exciting addition to their mascot lineup with the introduction of Viktor E. Rat. This unique character was named in October 2014 to commemorate the unforgettable 1996 Stanley Cup Final run of the club.
During that historic playoff season, Panthers fans initiated the tradition of the "rat toss," symbolizing their jubilation by throwing plastic rats onto the ice to celebrate goals. This tradition began in the 1995-96 season and quickly became an iconic symbol of the team's success.
Viktor E. Rat, portrayed as an anthropomorphic rat, serves as a lively homage to this distinctive tradition that holds a special place in the hearts of Panthers fans. Beyond providing additional fun and entertainment at games, Viktor embodies the team's rich history and the fervent support of its passionate fan base.
Why is the Panther mascot a rat
The Florida Panthers' choice of a rat as a mascot, specifically Viktor E. Rat, is a homage to a unique and memorable tradition in the team's history. During the 1995-96 season's playoff run, Panthers fans celebrated goals by tossing plastic rats onto the ice.
This "rat toss" tradition became synonymous with the team's success and created a lasting connection between rats and the Panthers. Viktor E. Rat, as the team's second mascot, pays tribute to this iconic and fan-beloved tradition, connecting the present-day team with its historic achievements.
FAQs
A: The choice of a rat as the mascot, Viktor E. Rat, pays homage to a unique and memorable tradition during the 1995-96 season's playoff run, where fans celebrated goals by tossing plastic rats onto the ice.
A: Viktor E. Rat joined the Panthers' mascot lineup in 2007, named in October 2014 to commemorate the team's unforgettable 1996 Stanley Cup Final run.
A: The "rat toss" tradition, initiated by Panthers fans during the 1995-96 season's playoff run, symbolizes jubilation by throwing plastic rats onto the ice to celebrate goals, becoming an iconic symbol of the team's success.
A: Viktor E. Rat, portrayed as an anthropomorphic rat, serves as a lively homage to the unique "rat toss" tradition, connecting the present-day team with its historic achievements and the passionate support of its fan base.
A: The lasting connection between rats and the Panthers is rooted in the iconic "rat toss" tradition, creating a unique and beloved symbol associated with the team's success and fan enthusiasm.
