Fans react to awful national anthem before Panthers playoff game

Fans are always amped up to see the first game of the playoffs, to the point where just the anthems and opening lineups can become exciting. Except of course, when the anthem sucks.

In the first game for the Panthers and Lightning series, the national anthem was a total doozy. Honestly, it sounded like the singer was an amateur and struggling to hit the notes.


For game one of the playoffs against a bitter rival and expected to be one of the best series of the first round, the anthem was a really jarring letdown. Plenty of fans took to social media to share their thoughts on the awful anthem.





Not only that, but it seems like there was some fairweather fans in attendance who chanted out ‘night' during the anthem for their former goalie Spencer Knight. Knight was instrumental in the 2021-22 season, but now hasn't even played for the team in two years - he's in the AHL with the Charlotte Checkers.


All around, the anthem disaster didn't look like it fazed the Panthers off the bat, who still capitalized on their home ice advantage with a quick goal by Sam Reinhart.


This will be one of the most exciting series of the first round for any hockey fan, and the first period has lived up to the hype so far. The first round of the playoffs is always the best time to be an NHL fan!