The Florida Panthers have made significant progress in just one season.
Last year, the Panthers were the Cinderella story heading into the Stanley Cup Final. Now, just a year later, they return as an experienced team aiming to win the Cup.
The Florida Panthers are heading back to the Stanley Cup Final, but this year their journey has been markedly different.
In 2023, the Panthers were underdogs in every series. They barely made the playoffs with 92 points, but managed to defeat the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Carolina Hurricanes to reach the Final against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Last year’s final did not go as planned for the Panthers. This year, they need just one win to match their 13 wins from last postseason, and they aim for a different outcome.
The Panthers have gained valuable experience over the past season.
They have played extensive playoff hockey over the last two years, more than the Edmonton Oilers. This is Edmonton’s first Stanley Cup Final since 2006 and the first in Connor McDavid’s career.
The Oilers might be overwhelmed by the moment, a situation the Panthers understand well, having fallen behind 2-0 in last year’s Stanley Cup Final.
This year, Florida enters the final in a similar position to Vegas last year. On paper, they are the stronger team and have something to prove after last year’s disappointing end.
Underdog turned contender
The Panthers embraced the underdog role last season, thriving despite being the underdog in every series. This season, they are adopting a contender mentality.
They have played physically against every opponent this postseason, shutting down the Tampa Bay Lightning, Boston Bruins, and New York Rangers in the last three rounds. Now, they face the Oilers.
A lot can change in a season. The Panthers are now just four wins away from capturing their first Stanley Cup, and this time, they look ready to achieve it.
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