Sunshine State hockey fans are celebrating as the Florida Panthers repeat as Stanley Cup champions by overpowering the Edmonton Oilers 5-1 in Game 6 of the finals. Tuesday night's victory in Sunrise, Florida, crowns them as the NHL’s reigning dynasty, following Tampa Bay's back-to-back wins in 2020 and 2021.
Sam Reinhart's incredible four-goal showcase was the highlight of the night, earning him a place in history. With his hat trick, Panthers fans showered the rink in a frenzy of rats and hats, while Matthew Tkachuk, a cornerstone of the team, fittingly secured the final goal to clinch the Cup.
At the defensive end, Sergei Bobrovsky was a wall, blocking 28 of 29 shots, sealing the Oilers’ fate and solidifying the Panthers’ repeated triumph over Edmonton. The lone Oilers goal came late from Vasily Podkolzin, a mere consolation as the clock wound down amidst jubilant Panthers fans chanting for the Cup.
Florida's path to victory has been relentless, tallying 11 wins in 12 playoff series since Tkachuk joined via trade and Paul Maurice took the coaching helm in 2022. Only a defeat in the Vegas finals last year marred their record, with injuries playing a crucial role.
Healthier and bolstered by key trades bringing in Brad Marchand and Seth Jones, the Panthers dominated, with Sam Bennett leading postseason scorers and Marchand netting six goals in these finals. Their depth outmatched the Oilers, leaving Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl unable to counter Florida's fierce attack.
With Canada still yearning for a Stanley Cup win since Montreal's 1993 glory, Florida and the Sun Belt region savor yet another triumph. Under Maurice's seasoned leadership—second only to Scotty Bowman in games coached—the Panthers show clinical precision, besting past formidable foes Tampa Bay, Toronto, Carolina, and Edmonton.
Marchand, once again a champion after lifting the Cup in 2011 with Boston, marks this with the third-longest gap between wins, a testament to the Panthers' renewed and enduring prowess.
