The Florida Panthers may have conquered the NHL for the second straight year, but their victory celebrations left more than just hangovers — they reportedly left the Stanley Cup dented and cracked.
After securing their second consecutive title with a 5-1 rout over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, the Panthers partied like champions. But amid the chaos of hoisting, passing, posing, and parading the 131-year-old silver trophy, the Cup suffered visible damage — a dented base and a crack in its iconic bowl.
Cup Traditions: Beer, Babies, and Now Bumps
The Stanley Cup has endured just about everything in its lifetime. From being filled with beer and hot dogs to serving as a baby bath and a pasta bowl, the trophy’s history is as colorful as the names engraved on it.
This time, the Panthers reportedly took the Cup to the Elbo Room bar in Fort Lauderdale, placed it poolside, rode it around on golf carts, and even held it overhead from balconies. According to the Associated Press, the damage occurred within 24 hours of the team claiming the Cup — a record only narrowly missed by the Colorado Avalanche, who dented the trophy minutes after winning it in 2022.
Hockey Hall of Fame Aware, Repairs Expected
Despite its current state, there’s no panic at the NHL or the Hall of Fame. The “Keepers of the Cup,” led by Phil Pritchard and Howie Borrow, are already aware of the damage. They’ll begin restoration efforts once the Cup returns to Toronto for its annual touch-ups before it starts its summer world tour with players.
“Everywhere it goes, there are happy faces,” Borrow once said. “But yes, there are dents, scratches, and… food.”
Food indeed — past summer celebrations have seen the Cup filled with caviar, pierogis, spaghetti, and even chicken wings.
Panthers Make History, Even If the Cup Takes the Hits
With this victory, the Panthers became just the fourth team in 30 years to repeat as Stanley Cup champions, joining elite company. Captain Aleksander Barkov, star forward Matthew Tkachuk, and the rest of the squad now enter hockey immortality — alongside a slightly banged-up but ever-iconic trophy.
“It’s the most special feeling in the world,” Tkachuk said. “All the hard work, all the grind time, everything leads to this moment. It makes it all worth it.”
Parade Plans and Public Display Continue
Despite the minor mishap, the celebrations roll on. A championship parade is scheduled for Sunday along A1A in Fort Lauderdale, finishing with a rally near the beach. The Cup, dented or not, will be on full display.
And if history is any indication, this won’t be the last time Lord Stanley’s prized possession takes a few bruises — but it will always shine on.
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