SUNRISE, Florida - 24th June 2024
SUNRISE, Fla. -- Vincent Viola stood at centre ice, surrounded by the euphoria of the Florida Panthers' long-awaited triumph. After 30 seasons in the NHL, the Panthers clinched their first Stanley Cup with a dramatic 2-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on Monday.
The Panthers' owner, visibly moved, reflected on the journey rather than just the destination. "I'm humbled, not just proud," Viola said, acknowledging the collective effort behind the win. From the skate sharpeners to the equipment managers, every contribution was vital. His gratitude extended even to the team's dentist, Martin Robins, who has been with the Panthers since their inaugural season in 1993-94.
Robins, who shared a celebratory hug and kiss with Viola, expressed his deep joy. “This man made my dream come true,” Robins exclaimed. Viola, with a smile, responded, "We all did. Now, what ring size do you take?" Robins laughed, “Whatever size you want to make, I’m going to make it fit.”
The road to this moment has been arduous. The Panthers reached the Cup Final in 1995-96, their third season, but were swept by the Colorado Avalanche. Over the next 22 seasons, they made the playoffs only four times and failed to win a single round. Attendance dwindled, and even ticket giveaways couldn't fill the seats.
However, everything began to change when Viola acquired the team in 2013. Under his leadership, the Panthers transformed into a premier organisation. Over the past five seasons, they've consistently made the playoffs, won the Presidents’ Trophy as the NHL’s top regular-season team, and finally, captured the elusive Stanley Cup. The newly opened state-of-the-art practice facility in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, symbolizes their growth and ambition.
“This is a hockey town,” declared general manager Bill Zito, tears of joy in his eyes. Zito, who took over as GM in 2020, has been instrumental in building a championship-caliber team. The Panthers' journey under Zito has been remarkable. In the 2021-22 season, they won the Presidents’ Trophy, led the league in goals, but fell short in the playoffs. Determined to reshape the team, they made bold moves, including hiring veteran coach Paul Maurice and acquiring forward Matthew Tkachuk in a high-profile trade.
The Panthers’ resilience was tested last season when they lost to the Vegas Golden Knights in the Cup Final. This defeat, however, steeled their resolve. This season, after dispatching the Tampa Bay Lightning, Boston Bruins, and New York Rangers in the playoffs, they faced the Oilers in a grueling Final. The Panthers took a 3-0 series lead but saw it evaporate as the Oilers mounted a fierce comeback to tie the series.
In Game 7, the Panthers demonstrated their characteristic grit. "It was supposed to be seven games," said defensemen Gustav Forsling. "We’re doing it the hard way. That’s how it was supposed to be, at home, in front of our family and friends and fans. It was meant to be.”
Two key sequences epitomised their determination. With seven minutes left, Connor McDavid, the playoffs' leading scorer, had a prime scoring chance thwarted by Forsling’s stick. Moments later, Zach Hyman’s backhand attempt was spectacularly saved by goalie Sergei Bobrovsky, lying on his stomach.
“It’s typical us,” forward Carter Verhaeghe said amidst the celebration. “We were grinding and shut it down. I can’t say enough about us. We just grind ’em.”
In the final seconds, as the puck stayed pinned in the corner, the Panthers held their breath. “I got the puck and I just figured, ‘This puck is not leaving this corner,’” Forsling recounted. As the clock expired, the arena erupted in jubilation.
Looking ahead, the Panthers face an offseason of decisions with 11 players potentially becoming unrestricted free agents. However, the allure of playing for a championship team in a passionate hockey town like Florida is undeniable.
“This is unbelievable,” said Sam Reinhart, one of the pending UFAs. “I don’t want to leave. I want to be here. This is a great feeling. Best place in the League to play, in our opinion.”
Matthew Tkachuk echoed the sentiment, anticipating a grand celebration. “Probably in a few days, it’s going to be the greatest party that’s probably happened down here in South Florida. I cannot wait.”
For now, the Florida Panthers and their fans bask in the glory of a historic Stanley Cup victory, savouring every moment of this incredible journey.
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