Let’s get one thing straight: the Miami Dolphins are not a curse for the Florida Panthers — no matter what social media may suggest.
Over the past three playoff runs, the Panthers have embraced a unique pregame ritual: inviting local sports legends and celebrities to bang a ceremonial drum and fire up the crowd before puck drop. Since former Panthers forward Billy Lindsay kicked things off in Game 6 of the 2023 first-round series against Boston, a total of 29 drum-banging appearances have revved up the home fans — and the Panthers have gone 19-10 in those games.
Some fans have pointed fingers after the Panthers dropped two key home games in the 2025 postseason with Dolphins connections — namely defensive lineman Zach Sieler in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Final and Hall of Famer Jason Taylor in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final. But zooming out, the Dolphins-connected drum bangers boast a solid 6-3 record.
Here’s how the Panthers have fared by team affiliation of the pregame drummer:
Miami Heat: 4-0. Perfect. Unbeaten. Whether it’s Udonis Haslem, Goran Dragic, Alonzo Mourning, or Bam Adebayo, the Heat’s presence has been Panthers gold. The Panthers are undefeated when a Heat icon is behind the drum.
Florida Panthers (Alumni): 3-0. The home team brings the good luck. Billy Lindsay, Roberto Luongo, and Keith Yandle have all banged the drum during key playoff moments, and the Panthers delivered wins each time — including Game 7 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final when Luongo sent the crowd into a frenzy before Florida clinched its first-ever championship.
Miami Marlins: 3-1. A winning record for the baseball crowd. Jeff Conine, Juan Pierre, and Livan Hernandez all brought the energy, while Charles Johnson’s appearance resulted in the lone loss.
Miami Dolphins: 6-3. Despite recent slip-ups, the Dolphins are still bringing more good than bad. Appearances from Mike McDaniel (twice), Dan Marino, Jalen Ramsey, Jaylen Waddle, and Jonnu Smith have all preceded victories. Losses have come with Raheem Mostert, Zach Sieler, and Jason Taylor — fueling an exaggerated narrative, but the numbers say otherwise.
Miscellaneous: 3-3. A mixed bag here. Wins came from UFC star Kamaru Usman, social media duo A.J. and Big Justice, and Miami legend Trick Daddy. Losses followed appearances by NFLers Mike White, Mark Ingram, and drummer Jason Bonham.
Golfers: 0-2. Sorry, golf. Panthers fans may want to keep the clubs at home. Jack Nicklaus and Brooks Koepka each took their turn with the drum in separate Stanley Cup Final games — both losses.
Inter Miami: 0-1. Benjamin Cremaschi, Inter Miami midfielder, made one appearance this postseason before Game 3 of Round 1 against Tampa Bay. The Panthers dropped that game — a brief and solitary foray into MLS representation.
Bottom Line is with a 6-3 record, Dolphins-affiliated guests have been a net positive — despite the recency bias of two key losses in 2025. If any fan base deserves bragging rights, it’s the Miami Heat, who remain unblemished at 4-0. Meanwhile, Panthers alumni themselves continue to deliver when it matters most, especially when Luongo banged the drum before their historic Game 7 win last year.
So no, the Dolphins aren’t cursed. But if the Panthers are looking for another lucky charm next spring? Maybe call up Dwyane Wade — just to keep that Heat magic going.
