The Tampa Bay Lightning's playoff run ended earlier than expected with their five-game first-round exit to the Florida Panthers. The now back-to-back Stanley Cup champions simply had the Lightning's number again this year before they then knocked out the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Carolina Hurricanes, and then the Edmonton Oilers.

Panthers star Brad Marchand went on a trolling spree last night on Instagram following Florida's latest Stanley Cup win, and the Lightning were one of the teams he poked fun at. On his Instagram story, Marchand took a picture of former Tampa Bay forward Carter Verhaeghe with the caption "Thanks @TBLightning." 

Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) on X Brad Marchand is currently using his IG to thank rival NHL teams for the players they allowed to join the Florida Panthers. The championship celebrations roll on. 🏆

Verhaeghe, of course, played his first NHL season with the Lightning in 2019-20, where he won his first Stanley Cup. In 52 games with the Atlantic Division club that season, he recorded nine goals and 13 points in a depth role. After the Lightning elected not to tender him a qualifying offer, he signed with the Panthers and blossomed into a star in the process.

Since joining the Panthers, Verhaeghe has recorded 138 goals, 289 points, and a plus-61 rating in 359 regular-season games. He has also developed into a clutch playoff player since joining the Panthers, and that carried over to this year. He notably had 23 points in 23 games this post-season for Florida.

Clearly, letting Verhaeghe go is one decision the Lightning must regret, and Marchand sent them a reminder.

NHL Rumors: Lightning Should Buy-Low On Intriguing Utah Forward The <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning">Tampa Bay Lightning </a>will certainly be a team to keep an eye on this off-season. After losing in the first round in five games to the Florida Panthers, it is likely that they will be looking to improve their roster.

Photo Credit: © Jim Rassol-Imagn Images