The Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Florida Panthers 5-2 in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. Eric Staal scored a shorthanded goal for the Panthers, while Anthony Duclair tied the game late in the second period. Both goaltenders, Sergei Bobrovsky and Adin Hill, were impressive in net. The Panthers received three power plays compared to the Knights' seven, but failed to convert on any of them. Eetu Luostarinen was a game-time decision but ultimately sat out due to injury.
NHL players Eric and Marc Staal of the Florida Panthers declined to wear Pride-themed jerseys during the team's Pride Night, citing their Christian beliefs. The brothers did not participate in warm-ups where players wore the jerseys before the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Panthers' Pride Night includes fundraisers for LGBTQ+ non-profits and a ceremonial puck drop featuring Stuart Milk, nephew of civil rights leader Harvey Milk. The Staals are the latest example of NHL players and clubs declining to participate in Pride Night activities.
Eric and Marc Staal declined to wear the Florida Panthers' Pride Night jerseys, citing their Christian beliefs. However, social media users resurfaced footage of Eric wearing a Pride night warmup jersey with the Canadiens in 2021. The NHL has seen several Pride night controversies this season, including the Blackhawks opting not to wear jerseys to avoid subjecting their Russian players to laws prohibiting LGBTQ "propaganda." The Rangers also canceled plans to wear Pride-themed jerseys earlier this season.
Panthers players Eric and Marc Staal did not participate in warmups ahead of the team’s Pride Night game against the Maple Leafs, claiming that it went against their Christian beliefs. The Staals became just the latest to protest Pride jerseys across the league. The Blackhawks also announced that they would not be wearing Pride jerseys for pregame warmups despite previously planning to, citing the safety of their three Russian players due to a new law in their homeland.
Brothers Eric and Marc Staal, who play for the Florida Panthers, did not participate in the pregame skate on Thursday night because they declined to wear the team's LGBTQIA+ Pride Night warmup sweaters, citing their religious beliefs. The decision is the latest development in what has become one of the most polarizing topics in the NHL this season, with several players opting out of wearing the special jerseys for their team's Pride Nights.
Florida Panthers veterans Eric and Marc Staal declined to wear the team's Pride-themed jersey due to their Christian beliefs. The brothers issued a joint statement saying they carry no judgment on how people choose to live their lives but feel that wearing a Pride jersey goes against their Christian beliefs. The decision comes after San Jose Sharks goaltender James Reimer also declined to wear his team's Pride-themed warmup jersey. Panthers head coach Paul Maurice defended the players' decision, saying the focus should be on the rest of the team instead.
Florida Panthers veterans Eric and Marc Staal did not participate in the team's Pride Night warmups, citing religious differences. The brothers were in the lineup for the game, which the Panthers lost 6-2 to the Maple Leafs. The team said any player who did not choose to wear the special warmup jersey had that right but would not warm up before the game. The brothers put out a statement before the game, saying that wearing a pride jersey goes against their Christian beliefs. The Panthers are auctioning off the warmup jerseys, with proceeds benefiting You Can Play.
