Florida Panthers celebrate their next triumph: Stanley Cup 2025!

Florida Panthers celebrate their next triumph: Stanley Cup 2025!

On June 18, 2025, the Florida Panthers won the Stanley Cup by defeating the Edmonton Oilers 5-1 in the deciding game (Game Six). The Panthers thus successfully defended their title from last year and celebrated their second championship victory in NHL history. The joy of this triumphant success should be great among both the players and the fans.

The Stanley Cup is the oldest and most coveted trophy in ice hockey, having been awarded since 1893. The prestigious cup has been played exclusively in the National Hockey League (NHL) since 1947. This trophy has a rich history dating back to its endowment by Lord Stanley of Preston, the former Governor General of Canada. Originally known as the Dominion Hockey Challenge Cup, the first version of the Stanley Cup was awarded to amateur teams.

The Stanley Cup championship structure

The structure of the Stanley Cup has evolved over the years. Starting in 1913, an agreement began between the National Hockey Association (NHA) and the Pacific Coast Hockey Association (PCHA), which allowed the respective champions to play the cup in an annual series. Since 1926, the Stanley Cup became the NHL's de facto championship trophy. Since then, the format of the playoffs that ultimately determine the champion has undergone several adjustments. It is currently a best-of-seven series that has been used since 1939.

As of the 2024-25 season, the Stanley Cup has been awarded a total of 109 times, with 27 different teams having won the title. Of these, 22 teams are currently active in the NHL. The Montreal Canadiens clearly lead the rankings with their 24 Cup wins and have also been the most frequent finalists in the past.

Stanley Cup statistics and records

When you look at important records, the fascination of the Stanley Cup becomes clear. The franchise with the most finals appearances is the Montreal Canadiens, who have made it to the finals an impressive 33 times. On the other hand, the Boston Bruins have the most final defeats with a total of 14. Player statistics are also noteworthy: Henri Richard leads the list of most successful players with 11 titles, while Wayne Gretzky holds outstanding records in both points and assists.

In recent years there have not only been exciting games, but also dramatic turning points. The Stanley Cup was not awarded in two years, 1919 and 2005, which could add an additional layer of historical challenge to the competition. However, the focus remains on this year's champion, the Florida Panthers, who not only defended their title with their victory, but continue to shape the history of the NHL.

For further information on the most significant moments and successes in Stanley Cup history, see Laola1, Wikipedia and ESPN.