LAUDERDALE FORT It feels so familiar.
After winning the Stanley Cup on Tuesday, the Florida Panthers have been celebrating in South Florida for the second consecutive year. The festivities culminated in a rally on the beach and a procession down A1A in Fort Lauderdale.
Fans were fortunate that this year’s parade only included the usual Florida heat rather than torrential rain or lightning. Wearing a Benny’s Buddies cap and a set of shirts with the faces of his cats, Penny and Poppy, Coach Paul Maurice was appropriately attired for the event.
The Florida Panthers made a statement today, according to Maurice. 2025 will be the summer of love in southeast Florida.
The Edmonton Oilers team win song, Pink Pony Club by Chappell Roan, was played three times by the team DJ, yet despite their affection for one another, Maurice’s players were sarcastic about their rivals.
Sam Bennett, a soon-to-be free agent, requested eight more years, please, at Miami’s E11even nightclub on Thursday, stating that he had no plans to leave. Those who criticize the Panthers’ physical style of play were also addressed by him.
According to Bennett, many individuals dislike the way we play. They refer to us as filthy. We are referred to as unpleasant. They accuse us of being bullies. I therefore want to take this opportunity to apologize to no one at all! The double champions are us!
A pending free agency, defenseman Aaron Ekblad has expressed his admiration for the Panthers organization on numerous occasions. Since being selected first overall by Florida in the 2014 draft, Ekblad has only played for that state.
“I expect it to be home,” Ekblad stated on Saturday.
Introduced by defensive partner Gustav Forsling, the 29-year-old defenseman stated during the rally that his agent advised him to retain any negotiating advantage.
According to Ekblad, my agent called me after E11even and told me not to disclose anything Benny said.
“Thank you, Boston!” was chanted when Brad Marchand, the third big free agent the Panthers will attempt to re-sign, ascended the stage. The great winger that Florida acquired from the Boston Bruins after the trade deadline was serenaded by fans.
Marchand’s impressive performance on the ice and throughout the festivities has made him an immediate hit among the fans.
Marchand remarked, “This has been unbelievable.” Being a part of something so unique was something I never would have thought possible. I’m overjoyed to no longer have to compete against these guys. And I’m overjoyed that I don’t have to worry about Benny knocking me out any more.
“We’ve kind of had a few mottos going on,” Marchand continued. First of all, I want to thank the boys for bringing it. Second, don’t win if you can’t handle it! Come on!
Sam Reinhart, who scored four goals in the Cup-winning Game 6 last year, has been the focus of festivities this time around despite missing last year’s parade to attend a wedding.
All I’ve heard all day is that this is the greatest parade South Florida has ever seen, Reinhart said. I’m glad I didn’t miss it this year.
In recognition of DJ Khaled, Reinhart continued: We are the best! And I mean it! One more!
As team president Matt Caldwell put it, the Panthers hope to return to the same location the following season.
Does anyone want a third Cup? The audience applauded when Caldwell asked.
“I can get used to this,” Matthew Tkachuk said.
As supporters swarm Fort Lauderdale Beach for the championship parade, the Florida Panthers feel the love.
