The Florida Panthers have cemented their dynasty, defeating the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6 to claim their second consecutive Stanley Cup! In a dominant 5-1 victory on Tuesday, Sam Reinhart emerged as the hero, netting four goals to secure the championship.

This win marks a bittersweet repeat of the 2024 Final, where the Panthers also vanquished the Oilers in a thrilling seven-game series after Edmonton mounted a furious comeback from a 0-3 deficit. This year, the Panthers took control early with two first-period goals from Reinhart and Matthew Tkachuk, forcing the Oilers to play catch-up. Reinhart then capitalized on a rebound for his second, before sealing the deal with two empty-netters. Vasily Podkolzin’s late goal prevented Sergei Bobrovsky’s shutout bid.

Sam Bennett Awarded Conn Smythe Trophy

The Conn Smythe Trophy, awarded to the Stanley Cup Playoffs MVP, was presented to Sam Bennett of the Panthers. Bennett, who tallied 15 goals and 7 assists in 23 playoff games, humbly acknowledged his team, stating, “There are really 25 most valuable players on this team.” Oilers captain Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl expressed their disappointment but commended their team’s fight.

This victory is particularly special for players like A.J. Greer, who lifted the Cup for the first time, and Brad Marchand, who ended a 14-year drought since his last championship in 2011. The Panthers’ depth and strong defense, highlighted by assistant coach Sylvain Lefebvre, were key to their success. Meanwhile, the Oilers became the first team since the 1977-78 Bruins to lose consecutive Stanley Cup Finals to the same opponent.