Florida was 16-7 in the Stanley Cup Playoffs after going 47-31-4 to finish third in the Atlantic Division. They defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning in five games in the first round, the Toronto Maple Leafs in seven games in the second round and the Carolina Hurricanes in five games in the Eastern Conference Final.

The Florida Panthers spent their first 25 years struggling, making the playoffs only five times and rarely advancing. After years of instability, they’ve transformed into one of hockey’s most dominant teams.

Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates his goal with teammates to put the Panthers up 2-0 during the first period of Game 6 in the NHL Stanley Cup Final series at Amerant Bank Arena on Thursday, June 17, 2025, in Sunrise, Fla. Photo by Matias J. Ocner [email protected]