3 major takeaways from Florida Panthers' 8-7 loss in preseason game vs Tampa Bay Lightning

It may not have meant anything in the standings, but the Tampa Bay Lightning exacted some revenge against their in-state rival Florida Panthers during Tuesday night's exhibition contest, winning by an 8-7 final score.

The game played at Kia Center, the home of the ECHL's Orlando Solar Bears and NBA's Orlando Magic, was a wild back-and-forth affair with multiple lead changes.

Eventually, Tampa Bay emerged victorious thanks to the game-winning goal from Conor Geekie with just two seconds remaining in regulation while on the power play.

Geekie's goal was his second of the contest, while the Lightning also got a pair of goals from Darren Raddysh.

Major takeaways from Florida Panthers vs Tampa Bay Lightning preseason game

#3. The rivalry is still alive

Neither team wasted any time as the heavy hitting began right after the opening puck drop. Despite being a pre-season game, the rivalry between the two in-state foes continues to burn brightly.

“These are the games that have no label to them,” first-year Panthers defenseman Nate Schmidt explained afterward. “From preseason to regular season into playoffs, it doesn’t matter who’s on the ice. When you see that other crest across from you from the other side of the state, things just start to ramp up,” he added.

#2. Florida's young talent didn't showup

Most of Florida's top players didn't suit up, allowing the younger talent on the roster to showcase their abilities and gain NHL experience at the highest levels.

Florida's goal scorers included 20-year-old Latvian native Sandis Vilmanis, 25-year-old Wilmer Skoog, 22-year-old Ryan McAllister, and 23-year-old Tobias Björnfot.

#1. Preseason hockey can still be thrilling

The winners of exhibition games don't earn anything other than bragging rights, in addition to providing opportunities for young prospects to make their cases for a full-time roster spot. Fans in attendance were treated to a fast-paced, high-scoring thriller.

“I don’t think I’ve seen an exhibition game like that,” said head coach Paul Maurice. “I mean there were as many goals as completed passes. There are some things I liked and I’m getting to know some of these young guys,” he added.

The Panthers will continue their preseason schedule with a matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday night from Raleigh.