The legendary Stanley Cup suffered damage during the Florida Panthers’ championship celebration. The 131-year-old sports trophy was dented and cracked as the Panthers continued to revel in their victory, as reported by Sean Neumann on June 19, 2025. The Florida Panthers sealed their win on Tuesday night by defeating the Edmonton Oilers for a second consecutive year in the finals.
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The Florida Panthers are known for their exuberant celebrations both on and off the ice. This year, reports emerged that the Stanley Cup was damaged during the Panthers’ celebratory parade through Sunrise, Fla. The players, coaches, and other team members showcased the Cup by hoisting it above their heads from balconies, taking it around in a golf cart, and even placing it poolside while they enjoyed a refreshing dip in the hot weather.
Notably, this is not the first instance of the Stanley Cup suffering damage. The Stanley Cup has a long history of being roughed up during celebrations in the offseason as it travels from player to player across the globe. The Florida Panthers’ treatment of the Cup seemed to be more restrained compared to the Colorado Avalanche, who managed to damage it within minutes of winning it in 2022.
The damage to the Stanley Cup was acknowledged by the Hockey Hall of Fame’s “Keepers of the Cup,” who are prepared to address any issues once the Cup is back in their possession. Players often engage in unique traditions with the Cup, such as eating out of it or using it for drink-related celebrations. Last year, Howie Borrow, a Cup keeper, shared some intriguing insights into the various items that have been consumed from the trophy.
Despite the damage to the Cup, the Panthers basked in their victory after defeating the Edmonton Oilers 4-2 in the Stanley Cup Final. Winning the Cup for the second consecutive year placed the Panthers in an elite category, becoming only the fourth team in the past three decades to achieve this feat and the tenth overall since the NHL expanded beyond its original six teams in 1967.
Star forward Matthew Tkachuk expressed his elation after the win, emphasizing the hard work and dedication that culminated in the triumph. The celebratory atmosphere was one of joy and satisfaction for the Panthers, as they relished their remarkable achievement on the ice. The Stanley Cup may have endured some wear and tear, but for the Florida Panthers, the real victory was in securing their place in hockey history once again.
In conclusion, while the Stanley Cup may have received some battle scars during the Florida Panthers’ celebrations, the team’s success and back-to-back victories in the finals have cemented their legacy in the NHL. As the Panthers continue to bask in the glory of their triumph, the damaged Cup stands as a symbol of the team’s dedication, perseverance, and ultimate victory on the ice.