Panthers Claim First-Ever Stanley Cup in Thrilling Game 7 Victory Over Oilers

For the first time in their history, the Florida Panthers are Stanley Cup champions.

The Panthers secured a dramatic 2-1 victory in Game 7 against the Edmonton Oilers on Monday, clinching a 4-3 series win in the Stanley Cup Final. This win averted a potential collapse after the Oilers had come back from a 3-0 series deficit to tie it up.

Florida’s defense, which had struggled in Games 4-6 by conceding 18 goals, rebounded with a solid performance anchored by goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky. Bobrovsky made 23 saves out of 24 shots, counting a critical late-game stop to continue the lead.

Despite Edmonton’s loss, Connor McDavid was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the playoffs. He became the sixth player in NHL history to receive this honor from a losing team, the first since 2003.

In the decisive Game 7, the Panthers' defense effectively contained McDavid and the Oilers. Florida's Carter Verhaeghe broke the scoreless tie shortly after a power play ended in the first period. Edmonton quickly responded with a breakaway goal from Mattias Janmark, tying the game 1-1.

In the second period, Florida’s Sam Reinhart scored a go-ahead goal, giving the Panthers a 2-1 lead that they maintained through the remainder of the game. Florida's defense held strong in the third period, with Bobrovsky making crucial saves to secure the victory.

(Sam Reinhart after breaking the game tie with a second-period goal/ 2024 Stanley Cup Finals/ Florida Panthers 2024 Stanley Cup)

The Panthers’ win marks their first Stanley Cup title in their 30-season history. After falling short in the 1996 and 2023 Finals, the Panthers improved significantly this season, winning the Atlantic Division and progressing through the playoffs by defeating the Lightning, Bruins, and Rangers.

For the first time in history, the Florida Panthers are Stanley Cup champions.