WATCH: Former NFL star Mark Ingram II shows his support for Panthers in Game 3 against Rangers

By Nestor Quixtan

Modified May 26, 2024 21:28 GMT

The Florida Panthers have some illustrious supporters on their side for game 3 at home against the New York Rangers on Sunday. Former NFL running back Mark Ingram II was in attendance, catching the action wearing a Panthers jersey featuring his old number and name on the back.

Ingram, though, didn’t just cheer for his hometown Panthers, as he also displayed his support by beating a drum during a stoppage of play.

Check out the action here:

Ingram is among several stars who have caught the action during the Stanley Cup playoffs. On Saturday night, another NFL star, Dallas Cowboys player Trevon Diggs, was in attendance at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, an NFL all-pro, played hockey during his youth days before focusing solely on football, was also present.

Mark Ingram II is another name on the long list of NFL stars who have taken an interest in hockey. Could NFL players become a new fan base for the NHL? Hopefully, these NFL greats will attract new fans to hockey, helping grow its following.

It’s great to see such enthusiasm from fans all over as Florida and New York are deadlocked after 20 minutes. If the first period is any indication, the remaining 40 minutes could be truly exciting.

---

Sam Reinhart breaking out for the Panthers

The Panthers and the Rangers headed into the first intermission tied at 2-2. But the biggest story for the Panthers is Sam Reinhart’s two powerplay goals.

Florida’s powerplay had been 1 for 5 heading into game 3. That lack of production enabled the Ranger to pull out a crucial win in game 2 to even the series. Reinhart’s two powerplay markers could be the signal that Florida has figured out how to get around the Rangers’ stingy penalty kill.

Given how tight the first two games have been, Reinhart’s contributions with the man advantage are welcome as the series progresses and scoring gets even tighter.

While fans shouldn’t expect any blowout games in this series, it’s good to see the Florida powerplay get going. As for the Rangers, they need to secure their penalty kill and cannot afford to let Florida’s powerplay beat them.

Meanwhile, Florida will expect Reinhart to continue building on his numbers this postseason. He has registered five goals and four assists in 13 games heading into Game 3.

With two more goals on Sunday, Reinhart could become a pivotal factor in turning the tide for Florida as it looks to return to the Stanley Cup Finals.