The Panthers’ road to the Finals included thrilling series wins against the New York Rangers and the Tampa Bay Lightning, building momentum and excitement.
1. A Historic Return to the Finals
The Florida Panthers are making their first appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals since 1996, marking a historic return to the league’s biggest stage.
This appearance ends the second-longest active drought between appearances in the Finals, with only the Vancouver Canucks having a longer drought.
The Panthers’ road to the Finals included thrilling series wins against the New York Rangers and the Tampa Bay Lightning, building momentum and excitement.
2. A Young Core Leads the Way
The Florida Panthers’ success is built on a foundation of young, talented players who have grown together and formed a dynamic core.
Jonathan Huberdeau, Aleksander Barkov, and Aaron Ekblad are at the heart of this core, providing leadership and exceptional skill.
Huberdeau, in particular, has been a standout, becoming the first player in Panthers history to record a hat-trick in the Stanley Cup Finals, solidifying his place in the team’s legacy.
3. Overcoming Adversity with Resilience
The Panthers’ road to the Stanley Cup hasn’t been without challenges and setbacks, but their resilience has been a defining characteristic.
In the 2023-24 season, they faced a significant hurdle when head coach Paul Maurice took a leave of absence for personal reasons.
Under the interim leadership of Andrew Brunette, the team maintained their focus and continued their winning ways, a testament to their character and dedication.
4. Special Teams Excellence
A key to the Florida Panthers’ success has been their dominance on special teams, particularly on the power play.
They led the NHL in power-play percentage during the regular season, converting on an impressive 28.8% of their opportunities.
This trend continued into the playoffs, with their power play unit stepping up in crucial moments, outperforming their previous playoff performances, and becoming a decisive factor in their wins.
5. Goaltending Duo: Bobrovsky and Knight
Goaltending has been a stronghold for the Florida Panthers, boasting a dynamic duo in Sergei Bobrovsky and Spencer Knight.
Bobrovsky, a two-time Vezina Trophy winner, brings experience and consistency, while Knight, just 22 years old, provides youthful enthusiasm and exceptional talent.
Together, they form a formidable last line of defense, giving the team confidence and a solid foundation.
6. Home-Ice Advantage: FLA Live Arena
The Florida Panthers have built a formidable home-ice advantage at the FLA Live Arena, creating an intimidating environment for opposing teams.
During the 2023-24 season, they had the third-best home record in the NHL, with a remarkable 32-7-2 record, feeding off the energy of their passionate fans.
The arena has become a destination for hockey fans, with its vibrant atmosphere and the team’s consistent performance on home ice.
7. Celebrity Panthers Fans
The Florida Panthers have gained a dedicated following, including some notable celebrity fans, adding to the excitement around the team.
Actor Josh Gad, a Hollywood, Florida native, is a passionate Panthers fan and has been vocal about his support, often taking to social media to celebrate the team’s achievements.
Singer Ariana Grande, who performed the National Anthem at a Panthers game at just 8 years old, is another famous fan, showing the team love and support during their Stanley Cup run.