Panthers win Stanley Cup in thrilling Game 7 over Oilers

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Instead of being on the wrong side of history, the Florida Panthers have captured their first Stanley Cup in franchise history after defeating the Edmonton Oilers, 2-1, in a thrilling Game 7 on Monday night. 

The Panthers had a chance to get that first title last season, but fell in five games to the Vegas Golden Knights. The Oilers fought with all their might, battling back from 3-0 to become the first team since 1945 to force a Game 7 after being on the brink of defeat. 

But Florida fought off the Oilers' desperation efforts to come out with the Stanley Cup in their possession. 

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Sam Reinhart #13 of the Florida Panthers celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the second period of Game Seven of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena on June 24, 2024 in Sunrise, Florida. (Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

The first goal of the game came on an inauspicious heave to the net by Panthers winger Evan Rodrigues, who was simply looking for someone to potentially deflect it toward net. 

Well, that’s exactly what Carter Verhaeghe was there for, as his hand-eye coordination was on point with his blade redirecting the puck perfectly between Oilers netminder Stuart Skinner’s legs. 

The home crowd in Sunrise, Florida, went ballistic in the stands, as the Panthers, wanting desperately to get momentum going early, took the lead. It was Verhaeghe’s 11th goal of these Stanley Cup Playoffs. 

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But a problem for Florida in the last three games were breakaway chances that