Why do Florida Panthers fans throw plastic rats on the ice? - ESPN
ESPN In most cases the phrase "raining rats" would not be construed as a positive.
Unless you're in South Florida. And specifically at a Florida Panthers game.
Those caveats indicate the appearance of rats -- at least the plastic variety -- to be an exceptionally good thing. Hockey watchers might have noticed the rodents flying about Florida's rink during this very postseason.
Confused as to why? Allow us to explain.
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The Panthers -- who are currently facing the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2023 Stanley Cup Final -- have a history with the rat dating back to the franchise's first Cup Final appearance in 1996. That also happened to be Florida's inaugural season, where they laid groundwork for one of the organization's long-standing traditions: its fans, throwing plastic rats on the ice, to celebrate goals, of all things.
