It didn't take long for the first big swing of momentum in the Battle of Florida.
A Florida Panthers goal was immediately waved off due to goaltender interference early in the first period of Game 1. Panthers forward Sam Bennett appeared to push Andrei Vasilevskiy's left pad with his stick.
Here's the replay of the goal that was called off.
— Here's Your Replay ⬇️ (@HeresYourReplay) May 17, 2021
🎥 @NHLonNBCSports pic.twitter.com/kVys706S1w
Panthers head coach Joel Quenneville didn't challenge the play.
The Tampa Bay Lightning responded right away when Blake Coleman notched a shorthanded tally off the ensuing faceoff.
Pickles with the shorty to start us off!!! pic.twitter.com/7H2bNeYxkT
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) May 17, 2021
The first playoff meeting between the in-state rivals is already off to a heated start.
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