The NHL returns to Hartford tonight... kinda

The reigning Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers officially raised their banner to rafters at Amerant Bank Arena this evening, just prior to their season opener against the Boston Bruins.

There was some concern from the NHL that the game may have had to be rescheduled due to the impending Hurricane Milton that is expected to ravage the state in the coming days. However, experts have determined that South Florida and particularly the Miami/Sunrise area aren't at risk, so the game is going on as scheduled.

The game is being shown on American sports broadcasting giant ESPN who determined themselves that the risk of the hurricane was too great for them. ESPN has elected to keep its entire broadcast team (minus camera operators, of course) at ESPN headquarters just outside Hartford, CT. So, the game is being called remotely from Hartford... It's NHL Hockey Night in Hartford! When was the last time you could say that?!?!

Play the 'Brass Bonanza' already!