Just a year after their loss in the Cup Final, the Panthers secured their first franchise championship.
The Florida Panthers secured a 2-1 victory against the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida. Despite the Oilers’ comeback from a 3-0 series deficit, the Panthers emerged victorious under the leadership of Paul Maurice, clinching their first-ever Stanley Cup championship. This win marks a significant achievement for the Panthers, who had previously faced defeat in two Cup Final appearances, including a loss to the Vegas Golden Knights last year. By returning to the Cup Final and emerging as champions, the Panthers have made a remarkable mark in NHL history.
Emotions of the players?
Florida took Game 7 in the championship series with a 2-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers Monday night, winning the franchise’s first championship.
“It’s not a dream anymore,” Matthew Tkachuk told ESPN’s Emily Kaplan. “It’s not a dream, it’s reality. I can’t believe it. I can’t believe it.”
THE FLORIDA PANTHERS ARE THE 2023-24 #STANLEYCUP CHAMPIONS! 😺 pic.twitter.com/ayDHiNT7Ob
— NHL (@NHL) June 25, 2024
Captain Aleksander Barkov, who has spent all 11 seasons of his NHL career in Florida and tied for the team lead in points this postseason, became the first Panthers player to hoist the Stanley Cup.
“I had no idea how heavy it is,” Barkov told Kaplan. “So it is heavy, but it was an amazing feeling.”
BARKOV TAKES THE STANLEY CUP AROUND THE ICE! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/kzmOVMJLEt
— ESPN (@espn) June 25, 2024
Connor McDavid, who achieved consecutive four-point performances in the Oilers’ comeback, became only the second player to earn the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoffs’ MVP, tallying 42 points (8g, 34a) in the postseason and 11 points (3g, 8a) in the Final.
Game 7 mirrored the series’ intensity, with Carter Verhaeghe scoring first for Florida, answered swiftly by Oilers’ Mattias Janmark. Despite Edmonton’s efforts, the Panthers maintained their lead, with Sam Reinhart scoring late in the second period and their defense holding strong in the final period.
Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, who struggled in previous games, delivered an exceptional performance in Game 7, securing the win for Florida. Head coach Paul Maurice celebrated his first NHL championship after 26 seasons, expressing his joy and relief during the postgame celebrations.
On X, many posts and videos capture the moment of Florida Panthers 2024 Stanley Cup champions along with congratulatory comments from fans
The Florida Panthers are basking in glory this morning as they celebrate their historic Stanley Cup victory. After a thrilling season and a hard-fought final series, the players are still hoisting the coveted trophy high. Congrats to the Florida Panthers!!!! pic.twitter.com/gtDCSiGuwB
— Chris Hoch (@ChrisHoch_9) June 25, 2024
It takes a team. pic.twitter.com/zG73mllSUI
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) June 25, 2024
THE FLORIDA PANTHERS ARE STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS 🏆 pic.twitter.com/Xh88kaSLmr
— Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood (@HardRockHolly) June 25, 2024
WE ARE STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS!!!! pic.twitter.com/Yr17FW7AhM
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) June 25, 2024
Celebrate the Florida Panthers’ historic Stanley Cup win with Capitoneshirt!
