The Florida Panthers win the Stanley Cup: the best pictures

The Florida Panthers edged out the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals. We'll share some of the most memorable images from an evening that NHL fans are sure to remember for a long time. All statistics are sourced from Hockey Reference.

Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk raised the cup and gave it a kiss. There was a running storyline this spring about his childhood friendship with Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum, who won an NBA championship in June 2024 as well. SB Nation wrote about the crazy coincidence of these events happening so close to one another.

There are fewer things more gratifying in sports than the team photo after winning it all. Florida players and coaches got together to take a picture that will live on for generations to come. ESPN wrote about their journey from being an NHL punchline to Stanley Cup champions.

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Although he might not want to hear it at this moment in time, Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid doesn't have much to be embarrassed about. He was awarded the 2024 Conn Smythe trophy, given to the most valuable player in the entire NHL playoffs.

According to TSN, McDavid became the sixth player in NHL history to win the Conn Smythe award while playing for a team that lost the Stanley Cup Finals. However, the elusive feeling of a championship may consume his thoughts for the offseason.

Carter Verhaeghe scored the first goal of the game, coming with about four minutes left in the first period. It was a huge development for Florida, as it was the first time the Panthers had a lead in the series since Game 3.

Sam Reinhart's goal in the second period would prove to be the game winner, as his shot snuck past Oilers goalkeeper Stuart Skinner.

As they've done all series, Edmonton did their best to make life difficult for Florida. Mattias Janmark scored a goal in the first period, and was pumped up about it, as seen here.

Panthers coach Paul Maurice raised the Stanley Cup trophy with jubilation after the Game 7 victory. He won it all in his 26th season as an NHL head coach, so this moment was a long time coming for him. AP News aptly called Maurice a hockey lifer.

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Connecting with fans after reaching the pinnacle of the sport is a special moment. Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky is seen here reveling in the accomplishment with Florida supporters, and the party is sure to go on for the remainder of the summer.