Florida may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about hockey, but the sport has quietly grown stronger in the Sunshine State over the years. The Panthers joined the NHL in 1993 and spent much of their early years missing the playoffs. However, their story took a huge turn in 2024, when they finally won their first-ever Stanley Cup.
Before that, the team had made just a few notable postseason runs, most famously in 1996, their third season, when they reached the Stanley Cup Final but were swept by the Colorado Avalanche. That year became known as the “Year of the Rat” thanks to a quirky locker room story that turned into a fan tradition.
When Did the Panthers Most Recently Appear in the Stanley Cup Final?
In 2023, the Panthers once again made it to the Stanley Cup Final in a Cinderella-like playoff run after sneaking in as a wild-card team. They stunned the hockey world by knocking off big contenders like the Bruins, Maple Leafs, and Hurricanes before falling to the Vegas Golden Knights in the finals.
But the third time proved to be the charm. In 2024, Florida returned to the final, jumped to a 3-0 series lead against the Edmonton Oilers, and after a brief scare of losing that momentum, closed it out in Game 7 to win their first Stanley Cup.
That victory officially removed their name from the list of NHL teams that had never won the trophy.
Road warriors. pic.twitter.com/9JxRBKOGPP
— x – Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) June 5, 2025
In the 2025 season, the Panthers are back in the Stanley Cup Final again, hoping to win a second title and establish themselves as a real powerhouse.
Panthers’ Playoff Journey Over the Years:
- 2024-25: Currently playing in the Stanley Cup Final
- 2023-24: Won their first Stanley Cup
- 2022-23: Lost in the Stanley Cup Final
- 2021-22: Lost in the Second Round
- 2020-21: Lost in the First Round
- 2019-20: Lost in the Qualifying Round
- 2016-17 to 2018-19: Did not qualify for the playoffs
- 2015-16: Lost in the First Round
- 2010-11 to 2014-15: Did not qualify
- 2011-12: Lost in the Conference Quarterfinals
- 2005-06 to 2010-11: Did not qualify
- 2004-05: Season canceled due to lockout
- 2000-01 to 2003-04: Did not qualify
- 1999-2000: Lost in the Conference Quarterfinals
- 1997-98 to 1998-99: Did not qualify
- 1996-97: Lost in the Conference Quarterfinals
- 1995-96: Lost in the Stanley Cup Final
- 1994-95 to 1993-94: Did not qualify
The Florida Panthers have come a long way from being a team that struggled to make the playoffs to becoming a serious contender for the Stanley Cup.
Winning their first championship in 2024 was a historic moment for the franchise and its fans.
MORE: Panthers Brush Off Game 1 Overtime Loss To Oilers In Stanley Cup Final
Having lost Game 1 this time, the Panthers will look to bounce back as they fight for another title in 2025, to prove that their success wasn’t just a one-time thing.
With a strong roster, growing confidence, and a fanbase that’s more passionate than ever, Florida is starting to look like a permanent force in the NHL.
