Florida Panthers Logo // National Hockey League
SUNRISE, FLA. – The Florida Panthers avoided the ultimate embarrassment and instead celebrate their biggest achievement.
After taking a 3-0 series lead, the Panthers nearly were reverse-swept by the Edmonton Oilers leading into Monday night’s dramatic Game Seven finale. Florida’s home crowd advantage and Sergei Bobrovsky’s 23 saves proved to be the difference maker in the 2-1 victory.
Sam Reinhart and Carter Verhaeghe scored goals in the contest for Florida, who never trailed on their home ice in the close out victory. It is the first title in the Panthers’ history after two other appearances; a loss in the 1996 Finals to Colorado and a 4-1 defeat to Vegas a year ago.
Despite the loss Monday, Edmonton’s Connor McDavid won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff Most Valuable Player. McDavid was held without a point in the final two games of the series, but led all playoff scorers with 42 points total.
