On June 18, the Florida Panthers made history by clinching their second consecutive Stanley Cup championship. They triumphed over the Edmonton Oilers with a convincing 5-1 victory in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final. The celebration was marked by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman presenting the coveted Lords Stanley's Cup to the Panthers' captain, Sasha Barkov, during an emotional on-ice ceremony, where each player had the chance to parade the prestigious trophy.
Unfortunately, shortly after this monumental victory, reports surfaced indicating that the Panthers may have unintentionally damaged one of the most iconic trophies in sports history. Photographs circulating online reveal that the bottom of the 35 and 1/4 inch tall cup has sustained damage, and its iconic bowl appears to have been torn. Despite being handled with care throughout the season by Phil Pritchard, the Hockey Hall of Fame's Keeper of the Cup, the trophy's history of rough treatment is well-documented.
The Stanley Cup is no stranger to rough handling. After its presentation, it is often filled with celebratory drinks such as beer and champagne, and players have been known to use it for unconventional purposes. Notably, Phil Kessel filled the cup with hot dogs after the Pittsburgh Penguins' victory in 2017, and other foods like poutine, various pastas, and even borscht have been consumed from the cup. This playful yet careless treatment has led to its fair share of wear and tear over the years.
The Stanley Cup carries a rich history, having been lost, damaged, and even thrown into the Rideau Canal in 1905 after the Ottawa Silver Seven's victory. The trophy's durability has been tested time and again, including a notable incident in 2022 when Nicolas Aube-Kubel of the Colorado Avalanche accidentally dented it while trying to join his teammates for a photo.
Following their championship victory, the Florida Panthers took the Stanley Cup to the Elbo Room in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday, further solidifying their triumph in the community. The team has announced a grand Championship Celebration set for Sunday, featuring a parade along A1A. The parade will kick off at Riomar Street and conclude near Fort Lauderdale Beach Park, where a rally will be held to celebrate the team's historic win.
Home to the Panthers is the Amerant Bank Arena, located approximately 16 miles west of the rally site. This ongoing celebration is sure to unite fans and players as they revel in the excitement of winning back-to-back championships.
