By Adam — SoFlo Sports Buzz
June 18, 2025 | Sunrise, Florida
On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, the Florida Panthers secured their second straight Stanley Cup title, outgunning the Edmonton Oilers 5–1 in Game 6 at Amerant Bank Arena. They’re now the first team to repeat since Tampa Bay in 2020–21, and the first to clinch both Cups on home ice since Edmonton, the team they just beat, 37 years ago.
Reinhart Sparks the Charge
Just 4:36 into the game, Sam Reinhart made a dazzling solo play—stealing the puck at center ice, sliding while falling, and rifling an unassisted wrist shot past Stuart Skinner to put Florida up 1–0. It was an electrifying start that set the tone for the night.
Tkachuk Seals the Cup
As the first period came to a close, Matthew Tkachuk fired a wrist shot at 19:13, extending the lead to 2–0 and notching what would become the Cup-winning goal. From that moment, the Panthers never looked back.
Reinhart Builds the Lead
In the second period, Reinhart struck again. At 17:31, he hit a beautiful pass from Aleksander Barkov with his skate into the net to extend the Panthers’ lead to 3–0, further tightening their grip on the game.
Empty-Net Hat Trick & Fourth Goal
The third period turned into Reinhart’s showcase:
- 13:26 – He converted his third goal into the empty net, completing his hat trick.
- 14:55 – He added another empty-net goal to finish his night with four goals, becoming one of only six players to accomplish that feat in a Stanley Cup Final—and the first to do it in a clincher since 1957.
Oilers Get a Late Tap-In
Vasily Podkolzin scored Edmonton’s only goal at 15:18 of the third period, adding a late consolation tally but doing little to change the outcome.
Bobrovsky Brings the Calm
Between the pipes, Sergei Bobrovsky saved 28 of 29 shots, showcasing his calm, veteran poise throughout the night. His performance helped safeguard Florida’s early advantage.
Bennett Honored MVP
Centerman Sam Bennett captured the Conn Smythe Trophy, capping his postseason with an NHL-high 15 playoff goals, with an NHL record 13 coming on the road. His consistent production and tenacious play were a bedrock of Florida’s run.
What Made the Panthers Elite
- Opening-Gun Strategy: Florida scored first in every Final game, setting the rhythm and removing momentum from the Oilers.
- Balanced Offense: While Reinhart and Tkachuk lit the scoreboard, veterans like Barkov, Marchand, and Bennett ensured consistency.
- Families of Defense: The Panthers stifled Edmonton’s superstars—McDavid and Draisaitl—with layered coverage and disciplined pressure.
- Coaching Prowess: Head coach Paul Maurice navigated the team to 11 playoff series wins and two titles in three years.
Historic Significance
Florida now enters elite NHL company:
- Only the tenth NHL franchise ever to repeat
- Tied an NHL record for road wins in a single postseason (10), and set a new record for most road goals (61)
- First to clinch consecutive Cups on home in 37 years
- NHL record for time in the lead in a Stanley Cup Finals series – 255:49
It’s a triumph underscoring the rise of hockey in Florida and a powerful leap into NHL history.
Celebration & What Comes Next
After the final horn, Commissioner Gary Bettman praised the Panthers’ achievement. Locker-room cheers, tearful celebrations, and a flurry of embraces marked the moment. Fans now anticipate a parade down A1A, while team executives turn attention to offseason priorities—contracts, cap management, and preserving their championship core.
Game 6 Summary
- Final Score: Florida Panthers 5, Edmonton Oilers 1
- Reinhart: 4 goals (second at 17:31; third at 13:26 EN; fourth at 14:55 EN)
- Tkachuk: Cup-goal at 19:13 in the first
- Bobrovsky: 28 saves
- Bennett: Conn Smythe MVP (15 playoff goals)
Final Words
This isn’t just a back-to-back—it’s a blueprint for how to sustain greatness. Florida combined star power and team depth, tactical discipline and timely execution, to become the NHL’s most complete and compelling champion. Their journey from 2023’s heartbreak to 2024’s triumph and now 2025’s dominance demonstrates a franchise built for this very moment.
Check out the highlights from the Stanley Cup clinching win.