Panthers defeat Oilers in an intense Game 7 to win their first Stanley Cup in Franchise History

In one of the most intense, nerve-wracking games of all time, the Florida Panthers defeated the Edmonton Oilers 2-1 to win their first-ever Stanley Cup in franchise history. After taking a 3-0 lead in the Stanley Cup Final and then losing three straight to be tied 3-3, the Panthers won on home ice in Game 7.

Calm before the storm

Heading into the final game, the Panthers looked defeated after holding a 3-0 lead in the series. With three chances to win the Stanley Cup, they failed to do so and allowed the Oilers to force Game 7. Panthers fans were feeling extremely nervous heading into game 7. If the Panthers lost, it would be remembered as the biggest choke ever.

With all the momentum behind the Edmonton Oilers after winning three straight, the Florida Panthers could have been one of the biggest jokes in NHL history, as we have not seen a team get reverse swept in the Stanley Cup Final since the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs did it to the Detroit Red Wings.

Game 7

With former Panthers goalie Roberto Luongo banging the drum and this being the final game of this series, Amerant Bank Arena was the loudest we’ve ever heard it. Early into the first period, the game was close until a shot from the point got deflected by Panthers forward Carter Verhaeghe to take a 1-0 lead in game 7. Not long after, Oilers forward Mattias Janmark gets them right back in the game, scoring on the breakaway and tying things up at 1-1.

From then on, it was a very close game, with both teams getting many scoring chances, but the game was still tied at 1 heading into the second period. In the second period late, Dmitry Kulikov saved a goal off the goal line that would then lead to Sam Reinhart breaking the tie and scoring glove side on Skinner, giving the Panthers a 2-1 lead heading into the third period.

From then on, it was the Oilers feeling the pressure, knowing their dreams were on the line—they just needed to get one goal. With seven minutes left to go in the period, a beautiful chance created by McDavid saw him have an open net, but the puck got deflected as Hyman got towards the puck, he couldn’t bury it, the puck was loose; and as the Oilers were inches from tying this game, the puck could not get past Sergei Bobrovsky.

Heading into the final minute of the period, the Florida Panthers fans were as loud as they could ever be, 60 seconds away from winning their first Stanley Cup in franchise history. With the clock winding down, ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one—the Florida Panthers, for the first time in franchise history, have won the Stanley Cup.

This team faced a lot of adversity, with many people like myself doubting they would go far in the playoffs and boy did they prove me wrong. I have to give credit where credit is due, this year’s Panthers team was incredible and will be looking for a back-to-back championship.

Alexander Barkov does not get talked about enough. He shut down top players in this league in the playoffs. He is such a great player. Sergi Bobrovsky won his first Stanley Cup after being doubted for many years as he was known for having inconsistent seasons. He is now a Stanley Cup champion. Paul Maurice who is in his 30th year of coaching, won his first Stanley Cup in his second season with the Panthers. In his first, he went to the final vs Vegas, and a year later, he can hoist the cup.

Congratulations to the Florida Panthers on winning their first-ever Stanley Cup in franchise history.

This season has been one to remember forever, giving us some of the best hockey we’ve ever seen. To all the fans, players, coaches, team personnel, Gary Bettman, and everyone behind the scenes, thank you for a great season.