Eletees Trending: A recap of the thrilling 2023 Stanley Cup Final between the Panthers and the Golden Knights

The 2023 Stanley Cup Final was a thrilling showdown between the Florida Panthers and the Vegas Golden Knights, two teams with contrasting histories and styles. The Panthers were looking for their first Stanley Cup in franchise history, while the Golden Knights were aiming for their first title in just their sixth season of existence. The series featured high-scoring games, dramatic comebacks, and spectacular performances by both teams. Here is a recap of how the series unfolded.

Game 1: Golden Knights 7, Panthers 2

The Golden Knights came out flying in the series opener, scoring four goals in the first period to take a commanding lead. Mark Stone opened the scoring with a power-play goal, followed by goals from Jonathan Marchessault, Alex Pietrangelo, and Nicolas Roy. The Panthers got on the board in the second period with a goal from Aaron Ekblad, but the Golden Knights responded with two more goals from Shea Theodore and Alec Martinez. Sam Reinhart scored a short-handed goal for the Panthers in the third period, but it was too little, too late. Chandler Stephenson sealed the win for the Golden Knights with an empty-net goal. Adin Hill made 32 saves for the Golden Knights, while Sergei Bobrovsky allowed six goals on 28 shots for the Panthers.

Game 2: Golden Knights 6, Panthers 2

The Golden Knights continued their offensive onslaught in Game 2, scoring six goals on 35 shots. Jack Eichel had a three-point night, with a goal and two assists. Mark Stone scored two goals, while Reilly Smith, Michael Amadio, and William Karlsson also found the back of the net. The Panthers scored two goals in the second period, one from Brandon Montour and one from Sam Bennett, but they could not keep up with the Golden Knights’ pace and pressure. Adin Hill made 29 saves for the Golden Knights, while Sergei Bobrovsky was pulled after allowing four goals on 18 shots. Spencer Knight replaced him and made 13 saves on 15 shots.

Game 3: Panthers 3, Golden Knights 2 (OT)

The Panthers avoided a 3-0 series deficit with a dramatic overtime win in Game 3 at home. The game was scoreless until the third period, when Nick Cousins gave the Panthers a 1-0 lead with a deflection goal. The Golden Knights tied it up less than two minutes later with a goal from Ivan Barbashev. The Panthers regained the lead with a power-play goal from Sam Reinhart, but the Golden Knights forced overtime with a goal from Brayden McNabb with 4:12 left in regulation. In overtime, Carter Verhaeghe scored the game-winner for the Panthers with a wrist shot that beat Adin Hill high glove side. Spencer Knight made 34 saves for the Panthers, while Adin Hill made 32 saves for the Golden Knights.

Game 4: Golden Knights 9, Panthers 3

The Golden Knights bounced back from their overtime loss with a dominant performance in Game 4. They scored nine goals on 35 shots, with six different players scoring. Chandler Stephenson led the way with a hat trick, while Mark Stone scored three goals as well. Jack Eichel and Shea Theodore each had three assists, while Adin Hill made 29 saves in goal. The Panthers scored three goals in the second period, one from Aaron Ekblad and two from Sam Bennett, but they could not stop the Golden Knights’ onslaught. Spencer Knight allowed six goals on 23 shots before being replaced by Sergei Bobrovsky, who allowed three goals on 12 shots.

Game 5: Golden Knights 9, Panthers 3

The Golden Knights clinched their first Stanley Cup championship with another convincing win in Game 5 at home. They scored nine goals on 35 shots, matching their output from Game 4. Mark Stone had a hat trick, becoming the first player to score three goals in a Stanley Cup-clinching game since Babe Dye of Toronto in 1922. Jonathan Marchessault had a goal and an assist, while Nicolas Hague, Brett Howden, Reilly Smith, Michael Amadio, and William Karlsson also scored. Adin Hill made 23 saves for the Golden Knights, while Spencer Knight allowed nine goals on 35 shots for the Panthers.

The Golden Knights celebrated their Stanley Cup victory with their fans at T-Mobile Arena, where they were joined by popular DJ Steve Aoki for a live performance. The team also received congratulations from celebrities, politicians, and other sports teams from Las Vegas and beyond.

The Golden Knights have achieved something incredible in just six seasons. They have won the Stanley Cup for themselves, for their fans, and for their city. They have proven that anything is possible in Las Vegas.