Panthers' Stanley Cup celebrations show no signs of slowing while looming offseason decisions stir up speculation
The Florida Panthers have spent the days following their second straight Stanley Cup win living like rockstars—and they're not apologizing for it. From dancing on tables to karaoke at a buzzing Miami nightclub, from a beach bar blowout to crowd surfing and even a Brad Marchand Dairy Queen cameo, the celebrations have been loud, wild, and well-earned.
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'We're not toning it down,' said veteran defenseman Aaron Ekblad. 'We just won two Stanley Cups in a row. We deserve to have a good time.'
As Panthers celebrate again, pressure mounts on management to navigate vital offseason moves
While last year's title run felt like a euphoric, dreamlike experience for the team, this season's journey was more grounded, more grueling—and therefore more satisfying. Panthers coach Paul Maurice captured the shift in tone, saying, 'Last year was more of a dream. … It was a dream come true.
It was euphoric. This year, it was an achievement. It was hard.'
Indeed, Maurice emphasized how close the team came to breaking under pressure at various points. Yet each time, they found a way to hold strong. The sense of accomplishment has added a new layer to their celebrations—more reflection, a little more calm, but no less joy.
Maurice himself admitted his post-win festivities have been dialed back. 'I haven't had a hangover yet,' he joked, 'so way ahead of where I was last year.'
Still, the players have been going all out. Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov believes the team feels more comfortable celebrating this year because they know what to expect. 'Now everyone knows how to sit back a little and enjoy it,' he said. 'Last year was so hectic.'
The team's exuberance even left a mark on the Stanley Cup—literally. The bowl cracked at the base during the victory night chaos. But Barkov shrugged it off.
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'I think they've seen worse. … Don't be stupid. Don't take it to the ocean.'
As the celebrations wrap up with a parade on Fort Lauderdale Beach, attention now turns to an offseason filled with tough decisions. NHL free agency begins July 1. While core stars like Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, and Sam Reinhart are locked in, key figures like Sam Bennett, Ekblad, and Marchand await new deals.
'I've spent 11 years here,' said Ekblad. 'It's home, and I expect it to be home.'
Tkachuk added, 'Hopefully the core of guys, we can continue building… It's time to cash in for some of those boys. Hopefully it's here.'
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Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
Panthers' Stanley Cup celebrations show no signs of slowing while looming offseason decisions stir up speculation
The Florida Panthers have spent the days following their second straight Stanley Cup win living like rockstars—and they're not apologizing for it. From dancing on tables to karaoke at a buzzing Miami nightclub, from a beach bar blowout to crowd surfing and even a Brad Marchand Dairy Queen cameo, the celebrations have been loud, wild, and well-earned. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 'We're not toning it down,' said veteran defenseman Aaron Ekblad. 'We just won two Stanley Cups in a row. We deserve to have a good time.' As Panthers celebrate again, pressure mounts on management to navigate vital offseason moves While last year's title run felt like a euphoric, dreamlike experience for the team, this season's journey was more grounded, more grueling—and therefore more satisfying. Panthers coach Paul Maurice captured the shift in tone, saying, 'Last year was more of a dream. … It was a dream come true. It was euphoric. This year, it was an achievement. It was hard.' Indeed, Maurice emphasized how close the team came to breaking under pressure at various points. Yet each time, they found a way to hold strong. The sense of accomplishment has added a new layer to their celebrations—more reflection, a little more calm, but no less joy. Maurice himself admitted his post-win festivities have been dialed back. 'I haven't had a hangover yet,' he joked, 'so way ahead of where I was last year.' Still, the players have been going all out. Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov believes the team feels more comfortable celebrating this year because they know what to expect. 'Now everyone knows how to sit back a little and enjoy it,' he said. 'Last year was so hectic.' The team's exuberance even left a mark on the Stanley Cup—literally. The bowl cracked at the base during the victory night chaos. But Barkov shrugged it off. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 'I think they've seen worse. … Don't be stupid. Don't take it to the ocean.' As the celebrations wrap up with a parade on Fort Lauderdale Beach, attention now turns to an offseason filled with tough decisions. NHL free agency begins July 1. While core stars like Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, and Sam Reinhart are locked in, key figures like Sam Bennett, Ekblad, and Marchand await new deals. 'I've spent 11 years here,' said Ekblad. 'It's home, and I expect it to be home.' Tkachuk added, 'Hopefully the core of guys, we can continue building… It's time to cash in for some of those boys. Hopefully it's here.' Also Read:
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Elliotte Friedman offers insider scoop on what Sam Bennett could demand in NHL free agency
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