Bruins-Panthers bad blood resurfaces in fight-filled first half originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

BOSTON – Breaking news: The Boston Bruins and Florida Panthers still don't like each other at all.

The first period of Monday afternoon's game at TD Garden gave the Bruins their most intense 20 minutes of hockey so far this season.

The bad blood started with 8:27 left when Panthers forward AJ Greer hit his former teammate David Pastrnak from behind along the boards. The referees did not impose a penalty on Greer, although there were strong arguments in favor of his ejection.

Pavel Zacha quickly ran to Greer and fought him to defend Pastrnak.

Just over a minute later, Pastrnak threw a late hit on Panthers forward Sam Reinhart and was penalized for interference. Panthers defenseman Nate Schmidt stepped in and confronted Pastrnak, prompting a quick response from B captain Brad Marchand, who fought Schmidt.

These teams combined for two fights and 26 penalty minutes in the first period. The Panthers led 2-1 at halftime, with the starting signal being given on the power play.

The Bruins gave the Panthers four power plays in the first period. This brings the Panthers' total number of power plays against the Bruins to 10 in just four periods between them this season.

The Bruins have been understandably frustrated with their officiating during this time, but they must remain disciplined to beat the Panthers. They've played right into the Panthers' hands during this time, and that's not a winning strategy.