The Florida Panthers are one step closer to becoming a dynasty after winning their second Stanley Cup Championship in a row, and they’re closing in on Edmonton in another category. What’s that category, you ask? How about winning four championships in a single decade?
In case you need a refresher or if you’re a new hockey fan, the Oilers won four championships in the 1980s - 1984, 1985, 1987, and 1988. Or, better yet, four championships in five seasons. They tacked on their fifth and, thanks to the Panthers, final Stanley Cup Championship to date in 1990.
With their second straight Stanley Cup title, the Panthers find themselves in a rare seat at the table of NHL franchises that won back-to-back championships, and that includes the Oilers. Now, it’s time to celebrate their latest championship before gearing up to A) seek a rare three-peat and B) close in on the Oilers even more.
Second straight Stanley Cup win should mean a lot for the Panthers
I remember, way back when, playing NHL video games, and I’d barely notice the Panthers. Here was this random team in a non-traditional hockey market that never won anything after that epic 1995-96 season.
They barely gave anyone a reason to root for them, and it was almost a guarantee they’d either miss the playoffs or be that ‘happy to be there’ team, only to get knocked out in the first round. We were all far more interested in their cross-state rival, the Tampa Bay Lightning, a team that, if you remember it right, won back-to-back Cups to kick off the decade.
That said, this one should mean a lot for Panther fans. Sure, their team beat the Oilers twice in as many seasons, and now, they’ve become the latest team to win back-to-back Cups. But, the evolution from where the Panthers were to where they are now? That’s something special.
Looking ahead to 2025-26…but not before a celebration
Now that the Stanley Cup will remain in Sunrise, Florida for another season, it’s time to pack ‘em up and look toward the summer, right? Of course, there will be some difficult decisions ahead, but not before the team and their fans celebrate Cup No. 2.
Hey, winning a back-to-back is a milestone that few teams are lucky enough to enjoy, so have fun celebrating the end to what was a remarkable season. And one that took the Panthers yet another step closer to having their name mentioned in the same breath as the Edmonton Oilers dynasty.
No, they’re not there yet. But when those celebrations come to a close, and when the days of the year start getting shorter, a new season will loom on the horizon. And it’ll give the Panthers an opportunity to snag Stanley Cup No. 3 in as many seasons - something no Oilers dynasty has ever done.
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