Florida Panthers Has Done it Again as the 2025 Stanley Cup Champions on Repeat

The Panthers entered Game 6 with Sergei Bobrovsky confirmed as the starting goaltender, facing off against Edmonton’s Stuart Skinner, as announced by Florida Panthers at 8:05 PM EDT. The team’s lineup, featuring stars like Barkov, Reinhart, Tkachuk, and trade-deadline acquisitions Brad Marchand and Seth Jones, was set to continue its ferocious forecheck and defensive dominance. The pre-game warmups likely showcased Bobrovsky’s focus and the team’s physicality, with players like Gustav Forsling and Aaron Ekblad preparing to neutralize Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. With a 3–2 series lead after Game 5, the Panthers were one win away from their second straight Stanley Cup, facing an Oilers team that had pushed back after trailing 3–0 in 2024. The pre-game mood was one of cautious optimism, with players like Tkachuk noting, “It takes four [wins], and we need one more, and it’s the hardest one to win,” reflecting their experience in closeout games. Before the game started, Hockey Hall of Famer and former Panthers goaltender Roberto Luongo bangs the drum and fired up the Florida crowd prior to Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final

Full Game Highlights: Panthers vs. Oilers, Game 6 (2025 Stanley Cup Final)

The Florida Panthers we’re ready to take the power of control in Sunrise, Florida. The fans were packed at Amerant Bank Arena has they were able to witness another repeat of a Stanley Cup Championship. The Panthers were hopeful to get another chance to reach the Lord Stanley Cup Trophy.

First Period with 2 Goals to open up South Florida

The match began with the Panthers with the plays with the shots on goals. Then The Panthers struck early when Sam Reinhart capitalized on a turnover by Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard, firing a shot past Stuart Skinner to give Florida a Opening Goal with the 1–0 lead at 4:36. This set the tone for Florida’s aggressive forecheck. When Matthew Tkachuk’s Power-Play Goal began with Edmonton shorthanded, Tkachuk scored on the power play, assisted by Eetu Luostarinen and Anton Lundell, making it 2–0 at 19:13. The goal showcased Florida’s effective special teams, converting one of their power-play opportunities. The crowd erupted with “Let’s Go Panthers” chants, amplifying the electric atmosphere at Amerant Bank Arena.

Florida Panthers Defense Machine in the 2nd Period

During the 2nd Period, Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky was a standout, preserving the shutout through the second period with several critical stops. One notable save came against Connor McDavid, who broke in on a partial breakaway but was denied by Bobrovsky’s quick poke check and glove save. The Panthers’ defense, led by Gustav Forsling and Aaron Ekblad, was relentless in the second period. Forsling’s physical play disrupted Edmonton’s cycle game, while Ekblad delivered a textbook hit on an Oilers forward (possibly McDavid or Ryan Nugent-Hopkins), limiting high-danger chances. Florida’s forecheck and neutral-zone trap stifled Edmonton’s speed, holding them to approximately 10 shots in the period. Then Sam Reinhart’s Second Goal struck again, extending the lead to 3–0 with a goal assisted by Aleksander Barkov and Carter Verhaeghe at 17:31. This goal highlighted Florida’s relentless pressure and ability to capitalize on scoring chances, as Edmonton struggled to generate offense against Sergei Bobrovsky’s stellar goaltending.

The Electrifying Empty Netters to help Florida win the Stanley Cup on Repeat

The 3rd Period began with Florida’s defense, led by Gustav Forsling and Aaron Ekblad, continued to neutralize Edmonton’s high-powered offense. Ekblad’s physical play, including a notable hit on McDavid earlier in the game, carried into the third, while Forsling’s positioning shut down passing lanes. The Florida Sam Reinhart’s Empty-Net Hat Trick Goal landed at 13:26 with Edmonton pulling Skinner for an extra attacker, Reinhart sealed his hat trick with an empty-net goal, assisted by Barkov and Verhaeghe, making it 4–0. This goal sparked “Reino, Reino” chants from the Florida faithful, celebrating Reinhart’s dominant performance. The fans threw hats on the ice and it was the first Stanley Cup Hat Trick since Mark Stone did it for the Las Vegas Knights in 2023. Reinhart’s Second Empty-Net Goal at 14:55 when Reinhart added another empty-netter, assisted by Verhaeghe and Aaron Ekblad, pushing the score to 5–0. This capped a historic night for Reinhart, who became a focal point of the Panthers’ offensive onslaught. The Amerant Bank Arena was electric, with fans chanting for Reinhart and Bobrovsky while waving rally towels. As the score reached 5–0, the arena DJ played hits like “Mr. Brightside” and “Sweet Caroline,” fueling a party atmosphere. Sam Reinhart was the first player to score 4 goals in the Stanley Cup Final since Maurice Richard did in 1957 with there Canadians. Afterwards, Vasily Podkolzin’s Consolation Goal for Edmonton as The Oilers avoided a shutout when Podkolzin scored, assisted by Jake Walman and Leon Draisaitl, making it 5–1 at 15:18. Despite the goal, Edmonton couldn’t mount a comeback, as Florida’s defense, led by Gustav Forsling and Aaron Ekblad, stifled their attack. Sergei Bobrovsky’s Performance was a wall in net, stopping 28 of 29 shots. His key saves, including a glove stop on Forsling in the second period and a poke check on Connor McDavid in the first, shut down Edmonton’s high-powered offense. The crowd’s “Bob-by, Bob-by” chants reflected his pivotal role in securing the win. During the final 15 seconds, the players and After the final buzzer, the Panthers celebrated on the ice, with Barkov hoisting the Stanley Cup first, followed by teammates. Sam Bennett’s Conn Smythe Trophy presentation as playoff MVP (with a playoff-leading 15 goals) was a highlight, met with roaring approval from the crowd. The Florida Panthers had led to 255:49 minutes of leading time in the series for Stanley Cup Finals record.

On-Ice Celebrations

As the final siren sounded, the Amerant Bank Arena erupted in a “blizzard of gloves, sticks, and plastic rats” thrown by the 19,800+ fans, a nod to the Panthers’ tradition of tossing rats onto the ice. Players “flew off the bench, jumped for joy, and mobbed one another” in a chaotic, emotional celebration of their second consecutive Stanley Cup title. afterwards, both Edmonton nd Florida did some handshakes to every player and coach in the club. During the Stanley Cup Presentation, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman presented the Stanley Cup to Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov, who lifted it first, followed by a heartfelt handoff to defenseman Nate Schmidt, prioritizing players who hadn’t yet won it. This gesture was described as reflective of the team’s “servant leadership,” with Barkov and others ensuring teammates like Schmidt shared the moment. The on-ice ceremony was marked by confetti, with players skating around with the Cup as fans roared and chanted “Let’s Go Panthers.” Sam Bennett was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP for his league-leading 15 goals, drawing massive cheers. His presentation was a highlight, with social media posts as capturing Bennett hoisting the trophy amid the celebration. Sam Reinhart, fresh off his four-goal performance (including two empty-net goals in the third period), was celebrated with lingering “Reino, Reino” chants for his hat trick, which had sent hats and rats flying onto the ice earlier. Matthew Tkachuk, a face of the franchise, was also a focal point, with fans and teammates acknowledging his role in the Cup-clinching effort. The Panthers have scored at least two 1st Period goals in each of the six Stanley Cup Final games this year. No other team in NHL history has had five or more multi-goal 1st Periods in a single Stanley Cup Final.

Fan and Community Celebrations

Amerant Bank Arena Atmosphere in Sunrise was described as “pandemonium” post-siren, with fans singing along while it was played by the DJ, waving rally towels, and celebrating the back-to-back championship. The presence of a “confetti truck” in the parking lot, noted pre-game, signaled the arena’s readiness for a title celebration, which unfolded spectacularly. Fans spilled out into South Florida, particularly Fort Lauderdale, to continue the celebration. The Elbo Room bar on Fort Lauderdale Beach became the epicenter, with fans packing the venue as early as Tuesday night after the game (around 10–11 PM EDT). The atmosphere was electric, with fans chanting and celebrating the Panthers’ victory. 3,500 fans filled the Panthers’ practice facility, Baptist Health IcePlex, in Fort Lauderdale for a sold-out Game 6 watch party on Tuesday night. The event featured skating, LED-lit benches on the ice, and glowing Panthers logos, creating a festive atmosphere as fans watched the 5–1 win. The watch party likely wrapped up shortly after the game ended around 10:30–11:00 PM EDT, transitioning to post-game celebrations elsewhere. The Florida Panthers’ back-to-back titles made them the first team since Tampa Bay Lightings in 2020 and 2021 to repeat. The Florida Panthers then had multiple interviews while each player lifted the Stanley Cup Trophy. he team would be tightly packed around the Stanley Cup, with Barkov or Schmidt holding it prominently. Players might be raising fists, hugging, or pointing to the crowd, capturing the “mobbed in the corner” moment described post-siren. Some, like Tkachuk or Marchand, might show playful energy, possibly referencing their “bad-boy mentality.” The team’s red jerseys with the Panthers’ logo would stand out, with playoff beards visible on many players. Fans also celebrated outside of Amerant Bank Arena, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, and Miami Area as over a lot of fans who enjoyed every moment like glowing light, people standing up in their cars, waved their flags and played the drums and cowbells for the celebrations. There was that one moment when Aleksander Barkov lifted up the Stanley Cup Trophy back on the ice to let all of the people and employees who worked at Amerant Bank Arena which happened at 1:35AM.

Florida Panthers’ Stanley Cup Celebrations in Southeast Florida on Tuesday Night, June 17, 2025

The celebrations began shortly after the game ended at Amerant Bank Arena, likely around 10:30–11:00 PM EDT on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, as fans spilled out of the arena and watch parties. Duration of the Party in Southeast Florida. Celebrations began immediately after the siren (around 10:30 PM EDT, based on typical NHL game end times) and continued into the “wee hours” of Wednesday, June 18, at venues like the Elbo Room. The fans also celebrated and drove through the streets of South Florida. Skychopper already witnessed the traffic and people with fireworks as the party lasted through the night. Bars and Nightclub of Fort Lauderdale and most of South Florida was packed and they celebrated through the night. Most of the bars and clubs lasted the until 2AM to 4AM depending on the area and business schedule. There was a funny moment when some Panthers players and Aleksander Barkov who went to a residential area, and captured the moment on Ring Doorbell Camera after 5AM. Celebrations kicked off early Wednesday morning, with players arriving at the Elbo Room around 6:00 AM EDT, just hours after the game ended at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise. Aleksander Barkov was spotted sharing the Stanley Cup with fans along the main drag in Fort Lauderdale. The News of Southeast Florida also captured the moment when Barkov lifted the trophy while fans waited outside to continue the celebrations. Later that morning with the Fan Engagement, Hundreds of fans gathered at the Elbo Room to celebrate, with posts on social media describing a packed scene despite Fort Lauderdale’s relatively small hockey fanbase compared to other sports. Fans chanted “Let’s Go Panthers!” and joined players in the revelry, with webcams capturing the victory party along the beachfront. Posts on social media indicate the party continued at least through mid-morning, with webcams capturing activity at 10:15 AM. Given the intensity of the celebrations and the lack of reports indicating a clear cutoff, it’s reasonable to infer that the main festivities at the Elbo Room and surrounding beach areas. The Florida Panthers decided to take the trophy for a spin. Panthers forward Mathew Tkachuk took Lord Stanley’s Cup around the streets of Fort Lauderdale Beach in a golf cart. The players didn’t mind at the moment when the fans cornered them for autographs and not wanting them to leave. After the trip to Las Olas, it was likely to tapered off by mid afternoon on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, roughly 18-19 hours after the game ended.

24 Hours after the moment when the Florida Panthers won the Stanley Cup

That night, The Florida Panthers celebrated their second consecutive Stanley Cup victory at Earl’s Kitchen + Bar on Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale on June 18, 2025. Players, including defenseman Dmitry Kulikov, Carter Verhaeghe, and Sergei Bobrovsky, brought the Stanley Cup to the restaurant that evening. On Thursday Night June 19, 2025, the team arrived at E11EVEN around 11:00 PM on June 19, 2025, after a four-hour dinner at Maple & Ash, where they enjoyed a lavish menu featuring oysters, dry-aged meatballs, bluefin tuna tartare, bone-in ribeye, Mediterranean branzino, and lobster spaghetti, paired with California cabs, French Bordeaux wines, and champagne sabered into the Stanley Cup by Sam Bennett. Captain Aleksander Barkov carried the Stanley Cup into the club, surrounded by teammates, to a frenzied crowd of fans. The team took group photos and signed a jersey that was later hoisted above the center stage. The Panthers’ players were at the E11EVEN nightclub celebration, continuing the high-energy festivities with fans and teammates in Miami. Players in attendance included Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Reinhart, Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad, Niko Mikkola, Nate Schmidt, Carter Verhaeghe, Anton Lundell, Sergei Bobrovsky, Dmitry Kulikov, and Evan Rodrigues. Notably, former tennis star Martina Navratilova, who was dining at Maple & Ash, joined the team briefly to drink from the Stanley Cup. With the Panthers doing Stage Antics, The team took over the center stage for a “full-out Panthers rager.” Sam Reinhart climbed a stripper pole to retrieve an Aleksander Barkov jersey, which he wore for the rest of the night. Brad Marchand was reported crowd surfing while hoisting the Cup. The team sang “We Are the Champions” by Queen and “Pink Pony Club” multiple times, chanting “we got the cup” with the crowd. Then Sam Bennett made an Announcement as a standout moment was Sam Bennett, the Conn Smythe Trophy winner, declaring from the main stage, “I ain’t f—ing leaving!” signaling his intent to re-sign with the Panthers despite being an upcoming free agent. This was met with cheers from the crowd. The celebration extended into the “wee hours” of Friday, June 20, 2025. Reports indicate that at 3:00 AM, over 500 fans were still lined up outside, suggesting the party was still active. While no exact end time is documented, nightclubs like E11EVEN, which operates 24/7, often host such events until 4:00 AM or later, especially for high-profile celebrations. Given the intensity and the presence of fans and players well into the early morning, the event likely wound down between 3:30 AM and 5:00 AM. WPLG also captured the moment when the Panthers players who left the E11EVEN Club and saw Brad Marchand who was drunk and the group of players were able to walk out of the club.

On Friday, June 20, 2025, Florida Panthers stars Sam Reinhart and Brad Marchand participated in celebratory fan meet-and-greet events at fast-food locations in Broward County, following the team’s second consecutive Stanley Cup. Hundreds of fans lined up, with some waiting in the rain, reflecting the strong community support for the Panthers’ back-to-back championships. Stephanie, a fan who brought her family, told Local 10 News the victories had united South Florida. Reinhart served Box Combos (chicken fingers and fries) at the front counter and drive-thru, worked briefly in the kitchen, and filmed a commercial. He signed autographs and interacted with fans, some of whom arrived as early as 6:00 AM to secure a spot. Fans like Parker Hancock praised Reinhart’s skills and personality, while Michelle Stein noted he signed her jersey. Marchand served free Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Blizzards, temporarily renamed “The Brad Blizzard” in his honor, at the counter and drive-thru. He signed autographs, posed for photos with fans, and even served a Blizzard from the Stanley Cup itself. One fan wore a shirt depicting Sam Bennett holding a Photoshopped baby Marchand, referencing their past rivalry turned camaraderie. The line stretched around the restaurant, with fans packing the eatery to see Marchand. His engagement, including working the drive-thru, created a festive atmosphere. Sam Bennett also brought his Conn Smythe Trophy Humane Broward with the cat standing on the trophy.

Sam Bennett brought his Conn Smythe trophy to Humane Broward 🥹🐱

(via: @flpantinhas, IG/bennysbuddies9, & IG/humanebroward) pic.twitter.com/0HVZWEHsmf
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) June 21, 2025

The team and local authorities were likely preparing for the Championship Celebration Parade scheduled for Sunday, June 22, 2025, along A1A in Fort Lauderdale. The upcoming parade on Sunday, June 22, 2025, is expected to draw a large crowd, similar to the 2024 parade, which attracted an estimated 250,000 fans despite heavy rain. This suggests Fort Lauderdale’s celebrations extended beyond Tuesday night into planned events later in the week.