'This is amazing': Panthers celebrate 2nd consecutive Stanley Cup with another parade
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Champagne was swilled and spilled, cigars were smoked and the Stanley Cup was hoisted a few more times, all with about 400,000 people watching.
The Florida Panthers are getting pretty good at these parades.
Advertisement
The back-to-back Stanley Cup champions had their championship parade and rally on Fort Lauderdale Beach on Sunday, the same setup as last year — except this time, bright sunshine greeted the champs as opposed to downpours and lightning a year ago.
'It's a little better day today than it was last year, but still, this is amazing,' Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov said. 'What a day we're having with you guys.'
Panthers coach Paul Maurice declared this 'the summer of love' for fans of the team, doing so while wearing another shirt featured his beloved cats Poppy and Penny — a shirt made by his daughter. He wore a similar shirt to last year's parade, also made by his daughter.
There were cries of 'Thank you, Boston' when Brad Marchand — who came to Florida in a trade with the rival Bruins — was introduced. Marchand, a free agent, again indicated that he wants to be back with the Panthers, who won this season's Cup by topping the Edmonton Oilers in six games.
Advertisement
'I'm so happy that I don't have to play against these guys anymore,' Marchand said, pointing to his Florida teammates.
Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk drew loud roars when he told the crowd that he 'would like to apologize to absolutely ... nobody because a double champ does whatever ... he wants," copying a line used by Conor McGregor when he became a double UFC champion.
'I could get used to this,' Tkachuk said as he looked out at the crowd — some of whom were in the water, with most others packed hundreds of yards deep down the sand. Tkachuk then thanked team owner Vincent Viola and general manager and hockey operations president Bill Zito for trading for him three years ago, saying it changed his life.
Defenseman Aaron Ekblad, just as he did last year, took a shot at golfer Brooks Koepka who famously went to a Panthers game once to heckle the veteran defenseman.
Advertisement
Forward Sam Reinhart, who scored four goals in the clinching win over Edmonton, missed last year's parade because a close friend was getting married. He didn't miss Sunday.
'The only thing I've heard all day is how this is the best parade that's ever been had in South Florida," Reinhart said. 'Thank God I missed last year and not this year.'
Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky thanked the crowd, and said he hoped there was another parade next year. And Sam Bennett, the Conn Smythe Trophy winner, heard the crowd chanting their hopes of him getting a new contract with the Panthers.
So, he ended his speech with the same request.
'Eight more years, please,' Bennett said.
___
AP NHL playoffs: https://apnews.com/hub/stanley-cup and https://apnews.com/hub/nhl
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Washington Post
35 minutes ago
- Washington Post
Stowers ends 31-game homer drought, Alcántara solid over 6 innings to help Marlins beat Braves 5-3
MIAMI — Kyle Stowers ended a 31-game home run drought, Sandy Alcántara pitched six strong innings and the Miami Marlins beat the Atlanta Braves 5-3 on Sunday in the rubber game of their three-game series. Otto López had two hits and drove in two runs, and Xavier Edwards singled twice, doubled and had an RBI for the Marlins.
Yahoo
35 minutes ago
- Yahoo
BREAKING: Kevin Durant Traded To Houston Rockets In Blockbuster Deal With Suns
BREAKING: Kevin Durant Traded To Houston Rockets In Blockbuster Deal With Suns originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The Kevin Durant trade saga has finally reached its dramatic conclusion. As reported by ESPN's Shams Charania, the Phoenix Suns have agreed to send two-time NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets in a massive blockbuster deal. In return, Phoenix receives Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and five second-round picks. Advertisement Trade Details: Houston Rockets Recieve: Kevin Durant Phoenix Suns Recieve: Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, 2025 No. 10 pick, Five second-round picks The move ends months of speculation surrounding Durant's future. Ever since the Suns missed the playoffs after a disappointing 11th-place finish in the Western Conference, rumors had swirled about a mutual agreement between the franchise and Durant to seek a new destination. Initially, five teams were reportedly in the mix: Houston, San Antonio, Miami, Minnesota, and New York. But Durant eventually signaled a willingness to sign a long-term extension with only three of them: the Rockets, Spurs, and Heat. Advertisement The Spurs were at one point considered frontrunners. Reports emerged suggesting Durant viewed San Antonio as his 'next destination,' and the Spurs prepared a package that included the No. 14 pick and two promising young players. But Phoenix rejected that offer, and as trade talks advanced, Houston's patient approach ultimately paid off. The Rockets, who finished 52-30 last season and claimed the No. 2 seed in the West, were eliminated in a grueling seven-game first-round series by the Golden State Warriors. Despite their early exit, the Rockets had shown enough promise with a talented young core led by Fred VanVleet, Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, and Jabari Smith Jr. However, what they lacked was a proven superstar who could elevate them into serious title contention. They have that now. Advertisement Kevin Durant, even at age 36, is still one of the most lethal scorers in the NBA. He averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists last season while shooting an absurd 52.7% from the field and 43.0% from beyond the arc. He brings championship pedigree, veteran leadership, and clutch shot-making to a Rockets team that's suddenly one of the most dangerous in the league. For Phoenix, this trade marks the end of their ambitious Big Three experiment with Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. The trio never gelled, and the Suns struggled with depth, injuries, and a lack of identity. Now, they pivot toward a new direction with Jalen Green, a 23-year-old explosive scorer who can help form a dynamic backcourt alongside Booker. Dillon Brooks, a tenacious defender and 3-and-D presence, also adds toughness to the roster. Advertisement In addition to Green and Brooks, Phoenix acquires the No. 10 pick in the upcoming draft and now holds three first-round picks and eight second-round picks. That gives them the flexibility to either develop young talent or make aggressive moves to surround Booker with a more balanced and sustainable roster. But the spotlight now shifts to Houston. With Durant leading the way, the Rockets are no longer a 'future contender.' They are a new team, locked, loaded, and ready to challenge for the Western Conference crown. The NBA landscape just shifted. Kevin Durant is in Houston, and the league better pay attention. This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 22, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
35 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Houston Rockets Starting Lineup Looks Scary With Kevin Durant
Houston Rockets Starting Lineup Looks Scary With Kevin Durant originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The Houston Rockets just went from promising to downright terrifying. With the acquisition of two-time NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant, the Rockets have put the entire league on notice. The deal, sending Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the 2025 draft, and five second-rounders to Phoenix, was steep. Advertisement But what Houston gets in return is a proven, battle-tested superstar who immediately transforms their lineup into one of the most dangerous in the Western Conference. Here's what their projected starting five looks like heading into the 2025-26 season: PG: Fred VanVleet SG: Amen Thompson SF: Kevin Durant PF: Jabari Smith Jr. C: Alperen Sengun This lineup isn't just balanced—it's big, versatile, defensively sound, and oozes offensive firepower. The Rockets finished with a 52-30 record last season and were the No. 2 seed in the West, pushing the Warriors to seven games before falling in the first round. Now, with Durant in the mix, Houston isn't just hoping for a playoff run; they're eyeing a title. Advertisement Let's break it down. Fred VanVleet, the floor general, will continue to run the show. He averaged 14.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 5.5 assists last season. While his shooting percentages (37.8% FG, 34.5% 3PT) weren't elite, VanVleet proved his worth in the playoffs with veteran composure and clutch shot-making. The Rockets hold a $44.8 million team option on his contract, and current reports indicate they plan to either pick it up or negotiate a longer deal with a reduced cap hit. Either way, VanVleet is expected to remain the steady hand at point. Amen Thompson moves into a full-time starting role at shooting guard after Green's departure. The 6-foot-7 sophomore was a revelation last season, averaging 14.1 points and 8.2 rebounds while shooting an impressive 55.7% from the field. His defense is already elite, and with Durant drawing defensive attention, Thompson could explode as a secondary slasher and transition weapon. Advertisement Kevin Durant slots in at his natural small forward position. Even at 36, he's still one of the most efficient and feared scorers in the NBA. Last season with Phoenix, he put up 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists on 52.7% shooting from the field and a ridiculous 43% from beyond the arc. The Rockets lacked a go-to scorer late in games during their playoff series against Golden State. Durant is that closer and then some. Jabari Smith Jr. gets a well-earned promotion. The former No. 3 pick will take over the starting power forward spot after a strong campaign in which he averaged 12.2 points and 7.0 rebounds while shooting 43.8% from the field and 35.4% from deep. Smith's ability to stretch the floor and guard multiple positions will complement Durant perfectly and give Houston an extremely switchable frontcourt. Advertisement Alperen Sengun, the All-Star center and emotional heart of the team, remains a focal point. Sengun averaged 19.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists while shooting 49.6% from the floor. With Durant attracting more defensive pressure, Sengun will enjoy even more room to operate in the post. His playmaking from the elbow and top of the key should unlock a dynamic two-man game with KD that will be nearly impossible to stop. The Rockets' bench is still loaded. They kept Steven Adams, Reed Sheppard, Jock Landale, Aaron Holiday, Tari Eason, and Cam Whitmore, offering both veteran grit and youthful upside. Eason and Whitmore, in particular, are athletic wings who can help sustain the pace when the starters rest. Head coach Ime Udoka, who recently signed an extension, now has one of the deepest and most flexible rosters in the league. Advertisement This is more than a superteam on paper. It's a roster built for May and June—durable, hungry, and balanced. Durant brings not only a championship pedigree but also a mentality shift. This team no longer needs to 'wait its turn.' With KD, the Rockets are here, and the West should be very, very afraid. Related: Grade The Trade: Who Won The Blockbuster Kevin Durant To Rockets Deal? This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 22, 2025, where it first appeared.
