The Florida Panthers have made history by securing their third consecutive Eastern Conference title, setting the stage for a return to the Stanley Cup Final. This remarkable achievement comes after the Panthers, this year seeded No. 3 in the Atlantic Division, defeated the Carolina Hurricanes in five games during the Eastern Conference Final. This victory echoes their performance from the previous year when they also triumphed over the Hurricanes.
The Panthers, who had previously eliminated the Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2025 playoffs, are now just the seventh team since the NHL expansion in 1967-68 to reach three straight Stanley Cup Finals. They will face the winner of the Western Conference Final, a contest between the Dallas Stars and the Edmonton Oilers, as they look to defend their title.
Florida has made a total of four Stanley Cup Final appearances since the franchise’s inception in the 1993-94 season. Their previous appearances include a memorable first championship last year, where they became only the third team in the expansion era to go from runners-up to champions. In a gripping 2024 Cup Final, they clinched their inaugural victory over the Oilers after a dramatic Game 7 at home, with a critical goal scored by Sam Reinhart.
As they prepare for the upcoming finals, it’s noteworthy that only the New York Islanders have more consecutive finals appearances in the expansion era, with five from 1980 to 1984.
The Panthers play their home games at Amerant Bank Arena, located in Sunrise, Florida, about 35 miles from Miami. Their captain, Aleksander Barkov, has been a cornerstone player since being drafted second overall in 2013, and head coach Paul Maurice has guided the team through this successful stretch since he took over prior to the 2022-23 season. Maurice has a wealth of experience, having coached for nearly three decades across various NHL teams, including a stint with the Hurricanes in the 2022 Cup Final.
The Panthers’ continued success is a testament to their resilience and teamwork, hoping to achieve back-to-back championships and solidify their place in NHL history. Fans are eagerly awaiting what promises to be an exciting Stanley Cup Final.