Context:

The Florida Panthers clinched their second consecutive Stanley Cup by defeating the Edmonton Oilers 5-1 in Game 6, marking them as the NHL's first back-to-back champions since Tampa Bay. Sam Reinhart's exceptional performance with four goals played a pivotal role, while Matthew Tkachuk sealed the victory with the final goal, and Sergei Bobrovsky's impressive goaltending stopped 28 of 29 shots. Florida's success is attributed to their healthier roster, strategic trade deadline acquisitions like Brad Marchand and Seth Jones, and a strong core led by Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov. The Oilers struggled against Florida's aggressive play, with Connor McDavid unable to overcome the Panthers' defensive prowess despite his efforts. This victory underscores Florida's emergence as a modern-day dynasty, winning 11 of 12 playoff series since 2022, with their clinical approach under coach Paul Maurice proving decisive.

Dive Deeper:

• The Florida Panthers secured their second straight Stanley Cup with a 5-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6, becoming the NHL's first back-to-back champions since the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021.

• Sam Reinhart's remarkable performance saw him score four goals in a single game, becoming only the fourth player in NHL history to achieve this feat in a Stanley Cup final, while Matthew Tkachuk scored the Cup-clinching goal.

• Sergei Bobrovsky was formidable in goal, stopping 28 of 29 shots, with the only goal against him coming from Vasily Podkolzin during garbage time, long after Florida's victory was assured.

• Florida's roster was healthier this postseason, bolstered by key trade deadline acquisitions Brad Marchand and Seth Jones, and featured a strong core of players including Tkachuk, Reinhart, Aleksander Barkov, and Sam Bennett.

• The Oilers struggled with Florida's aggressive forecheck and defensive strategy, leading to multiple goaltender changes and mistakes that resulted in goals against them. Connor McDavid, despite his efforts, was contained effectively by the Panthers' defense.

• Florida's win extends Canada's Stanley Cup drought to 31 seasons, with U.S. Sun Belt teams winning five of the last six Cups, including four in Florida, showcasing the Panthers' dominance.

• Under coach Paul Maurice, who has extensive NHL experience, Florida has won 11 of 12 playoff series since his and Tkachuk's arrival in 2022, establishing themselves as a dominant force in the league.