Andrew Peeke: former Panthers fan, current Bruins defenseman - ESPN

BOSTON — Andrew Peeke might owe his NHL career to Stanley C. Panther.

Peeke was 4 years old when his parents took him to a skating event hosted by the Florida Panthers mascot. From there, the Parkland, Florida, native fell in love with hockey and, in turn, fell in love with the Florida Panthers.

That love was fostered by his father, Cliff Peeke, a Michigan native who was a season-ticket holder for the Panthers. Andrew practically grew up going to their arena in Sunrise, watching exciting if not always successful hockey.

«As a fan, there wasn't a lot of playoff games or playoff atmospheres, so obviously being a fan at the time was tough,» Peeke said.

A lot has changed since then. Florida's arena is packed for home games. The Panthers are Stanley Cup contenders. And Andrew Peeke is now rooting against them.

He has to, because they're trying to end his season.

Peeke is defenseman for the Boston Bruins, who are facing the Panthers in the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. He spent most of his life hoping that one of the league's least successful franchises could finally find success. Now, he's trying to help his team prevent it.

«Being able to see that building full and the passion [Panthers fans] have… right now, that's not what I care about,» he said. «Right now, I'm trying to knock them out in the next couple of games. Being able to basically say 'screw you guys.'»

Peeke, 26, was acquired by Boston from the Columbus Blue Jackets in a trade on March 8. It's his fifth season in the NHL, one limited to 38 regular-season games due to injury. He has played his first three career postseason games with the Bruins, including Game 3 against his childhood team, the Panthers.

«It's pretty cool. If you're going to tell