Panthers honor airport shooting victims before game vs. Predators (Video)

The Florida Panthers honored the victims of the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport shooting on Friday by holding a moment of silence before their game with the Nashville Predators. Several players, like defenseman Michael Matheson, also paid tribute by writing “FLL” on their skates.

On Friday afternoon, a gunman opened fire at the airport, killing five people and injuring at least eight others. The 26-year-old suspect was later taken into custody by authorities.

There was a discussion about postponing the game, but a conversation between Panthers president Peter Luukko, the NHL and Broward County authorities ended with the decision to play on. According to Harvey Fialkov of the Sun-Sentinel, security around BB&T Center was increased for the game, with unmarked police cars and plain-clothes office in and around the rink.

“We’re a gathering place for the community,” said Luukko via the Panthers website. “In these situations it’s good for people to come together, which they’re doing tonight, and then go on with the game. We did feel it was important to move on, but obviously respect those who were killed in this awful incident and then pray for the safety and recovery of those that were wounded.”

The Boston Bruins, who play the Panthers on Saturday night, had their flight to south Florida diverted from Fort Lauderdale to Miami Friday afternoon.

“The thoughts and prayers of the Bruins organization are with the victims of today’s shooting and the entire Fort Lauderdale community,” the team said in a statement.

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Sean Leahy is the associate editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Sean_Leahy