Florida Panthers

2024 - The Florida Panthers won their first ever Stanley Cup in their 30th season.

The 2024 Stanley Cup Finals was a thrilling series between the Eastern Conference champion Florida Panthers and the Western Conference champion Edmonton Oilers. The Panthers, in their 30th season, were looking for their first-ever Stanley Cup victory, while the Oilers, making their eighth Finals appearance, were hoping to add to their five previous championships.

The series went down to the wire, with the Oilers mounting a comeback after falling behind 3-0. Connor McDavid, the Oilers captain, put on a dominant performance throughout the playoffs, setting a new playoff record for most assists in a single year. However, the Panthers ultimately prevailed, winning the series 4-3 in a hard-fought Game 7.

Game 7 was tense, with both teams playing with a sense of urgency. The Oilers jumped out to an early lead, but the Panthers battled back to tie the game in the second period. The game remained tied until late in the third period when Aleksander Barkov of the Panthers scored the game-winning goal with just over two minutes remaining. The Oilers pulled their goalie in the final minute but could not score the tying goal.

The Panthers’ victory was a historic moment for the franchise and the city of Sunrise, Florida. The team’s success was a testament to their resilience and determination, as they overcame a long postseason drought and a challenging regular season to reach the pinnacle of hockey. The 2024 Stanley Cup Finals will be remembered as a classic series filled with exciting moments and intense competition.