Here’s how many times the Florida Panthers made it to the Stanley Cup Final and how they did it

Florida is a state of extremes in ice hockey, and its two franchises embody that to perfection. While the Florida Panthers celebrate their first-ever Stanley Cup championship, the Tampa Bay Lightning, with a more decorated history, face new challenges in sustaining their legacy.

Florida Panthers: First-Time Champions

In June 2024, the Florida Panthers clinched their first Stanley Cup title by defeating the Edmonton Oilers in a thrilling Game 7. The decisive match ended 2-1 in favor of the Panthers, with goals from Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Reinhart. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky was instrumental, stopping 23 shots to secure the win.

Captain Aleksander Barkov led the team with 22 points during the playoffs, shining on both ends of the ice. His performance was crucial in helping Florida become the first team since the 2009 Pittsburgh Penguins to win the Stanley Cup after losing the Final the previous year.

The Panthers had previously reached the Finals in 2023, when they lost 4-1 to the Vegas Golden Knights, and in 1996, when they were swept 4-0 by the Colorado Avalanche.

Sunshine state showdown

Related stories

NHL

How much money do the Stanley Cup winners get?

NHL

Understanding the NHL's overtime rules

The rivalry between the Panthers and the Lightning intensifies with every season. While Florida basks in the glory of its first championship, Tampa Bay is eager to regain its dominant form. Both teams are key symbols of hockey’s growth in the American South and are set to keep this in-state competition alive in the coming seasons.

With these developments, Florida cements its place as a major force in the ice hockey landscape, delivering excitement and rivalries that captivate fans across the league.