The Florida Panthers Are Officially the Kansas City Chiefs of Hockey, Refs Included
SUNRISE, FL — The Florida Panthers have clawed their way to Stanley Cup glory, but according to every other NHL fan outside South Florida, they didn’t do it alone. Nope, they had a little help — from their sixth man on the ice: the referees.
It’s a familiar complaint. NFL fans have been accusing the Kansas City Chiefs of playing “12 vs. 11” for years now, thanks to Patrick Mahomes’ MVP smile and Travis Kelce’s ability to commit holding penalties in broad daylight without consequence. Now, hockey fans are insisting the Panthers have inherited that very same golden whistle.
“Honestly, it’s impressive,” said one disgruntled Rangers fan. “The Panthers have figured out how to cross-check a guy into the third row and somehow come out of it with a power play.”
During the 2024 Cup Final, opponents swore the Panthers’ game plan was simple: 1) hit everything that moves, 2) chirp at refs until they get tired, 3) win. Critics argue Florida players could commit grand larceny mid-shift and skate away with a warning.
Meanwhile, Panthers fans insist the calls are fair. “It’s not our fault the refs just love us,” one fan yelled while holding a rubber rat in one hand and a beer in the other. “Besides, if Matthew Tkachuk accidentally ‘tripped’ your goalie while waving at the crowd, that’s just hockey.”
The NHL, for its part, denies any favoritism. But the league office did admit it’s “good for business” to have a scrappy, villainous champion from Florida — especially one that can antagonize Original Six fanbases and get people to actually watch hockey in June.
Back in Kansas City, Chiefs fans welcomed the Panthers into their misery club. “It’s tough always being called the ref’s favorite,” one KC fan said while clutching a Mahomes jersey. “But it’s worth it when you’re stacking trophies.”
Of course, the parallels are striking:
Chiefs fans: “You’re just jealous of our dynasty.”
Panthers fans: “You’re just jealous of our dynasty.”
Everyone else: “You’re just jealous of our ability to count how many times the refs looked the other way.”
At this rate, expect the Panthers to start drawing comparisons to another dynasty soon: whichever team the refs are helping in the NBA.
Until then, the Panthers can proudly declare what the Chiefs have been hearing for years: Winning is great — but winning while everyone insists the refs love you? That’s dynasty-level trolling.
