The Florida Panthers celebrated their second consecutive Stanley Cup victory on Tuesday night, overpowering the Edmonton Oilers with a decisive 5-1 win in Game 6. This triumph marks a significant achievement, as they become the first NHL team to win back-to-back championships since the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021, and only the third team to accomplish this feat in the 21st century.
Sam Reinhart made history by scoring four goals, a remarkable feat that places him among just six players in league history to achieve such a milestone in a Stanley Cup final game. His hat trick was punctuated by a goal that sent both rats and hats flying onto the ice, a tradition among Panthers fans. Matthew Tkachuk, a key player for the franchise, sealed the victory with the final goal.
As the final seconds ticked away, jubilant Panthers players gathered in celebration while the Oilers looked on in disbelief. "Good evening, South Florida," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced before handing the trophy to captain Aleksander Barkov. "It feels like we just did this."
In goal, Sergei Bobrovsky was stellar, stopping 28 of 29 shots faced, with only a late goal from fellow Russian Vasily Podkolzin marring his performance. The Panthers' defense proved impenetrable, leading to chants of "We want the Cup!" echoing through the arena as time expired.
This season, with a healthier roster bolstered by trade deadline acquisitions Brad Marchand and Seth Jones, the Panthers showcased their depth. Bennett led all playoff scorers with 15 goals, while Marchand contributed six goals in the finals alone.
Bennett's performance earned him the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. In a touching moment, Barkov handed the Cup to first-time champion Nate Schmidt, who expressed his emotions: "It's amazing to be able to be here. I don't know whether to laugh or cry."
The Panthers' relentless forecheck overwhelmed star players Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl of the Oilers, who struggled throughout the series. Goaltender Stuart Skinner faced challenges in Game 6, with defensive errors leading to goals against him.
Despite McDavid's efforts to dominate, he was consistently thwarted by Barkov, Jones, and Bobrovsky. He finished with seven points in his second Stanley Cup final appearance but remains without a championship title.
Canada's Stanley Cup drought now extends to 31 seasons since Montreal's last victory in 1993. Meanwhile, teams from the U.S. Sun Belt have claimed five of the last six championships, with four of those victories belonging to Florida teams.
The Panthers' playoff journey included decisive series wins against Tampa Bay, Toronto, Carolina, and Edmonton, showcasing their evolution under Maurice's leadership. With more NHL games coached than anyone except Scotty Bowman, Maurice has now secured his second championship title.
Marchand also celebrated his return to glory after last lifting the Cup in 2011 with Boston. The gap of 14 years is notable, ranking as the third-longest in league history.
"It's incredible," Marchand said of his experience. "It's a feeling you can't really describe. Seeing family and everyone who supported me and helped me get to this point—words can't capture how great it feels. Such an incredible group."
