Nikita Kucherov and Conor Geekie absolutely crush Josh Davies for hit on Victor Hedman

Despite the fact that both the Florida Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lightning play in the Sunshine State, their rivalry is notorious for being less than cordial. Considering that the Panthers won the Stanley Cup the previous season, both teams are consistent postseason contenders. When both teams take the ice, you know that sparks are about to fly.

That being said, Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning attempted to infuse some energy into his team while protecting his colleague by going after Josh Davies of the Panthers following a hit on Lightning captain Victor Hedman.

Connor Geekie of the Tampa Bay Lightning quickly joined in on the excitement, sending Davies a message by completely destroying him.

Despite losing the game in OT tonight, the Tampa Bay Lightning definitely won the battle.

Geekie and Kucherov were sending out a warning: no matter who you are, you should never mess with the veteran Lightning player and captain. Even though Hedman is a tough guy, it must be comforting to know that his teammates will always have his back. Although Kucherov isn't afraid to fight, he is better recognized for being one of the league's top players year in and year out.

Any player, no matter how strong they believe they are, will learn that they must go through Kucherov in order to mess with any of the Lightning players.