The thriller-like final series of the Ice Hockey League NHL ended early Finnish time on Tuesday with the Florida Panthers’ party.
The Panthers led the final series 0–3, but the Edmonton Oilers managed to catch up. In the ultimately decisive 7th final, Florida beat the Oilers 2–1 on their home ice.
The championship is the first in club history for the Panthers.
The championship is completely unique for Finns. About Aleksander Barkov became the first Finnish captain to lead his team to the Stanley Cup championship.
Florida’s Finnish champions also include forwards Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinendefender Niko Mikkola and assistant coach Tuomo Ruutu.
Never before have so many Finnish players been able to raise the Stanley Cup together. In the years of Edmonton’s dominance, three Finns were at their best in the same team: Jari Kurri, Esa Tikkanen and Reijo Rotsalainen.
The president of the Republic Alexander Stubb also congratulated Florida’s Finnish players. Stubb tells messaging service in X that he congratulated the Finnish players by phone.
– A great end to the NHL season. I just got to congratulate the recent Finnish champions on the phone for winning the Stanley Cup. Great performance by Aleksander Barkov, Anton Lundell, Eetu Luostarinen, Niko Mikkola and assistant coach Tuomo Ruutu! Stubb writes in his post.
For Barkov, 28, who comes from Tappara, the season that ended with a championship celebration was his 11th with the Panthers. He has been the captain since the 2018–2019 season.
For HIFK-bred Lundell, 22, from Espoo, the season that brought the championship was his third in Florida. KalPa bred Luostarinen, 25, on the other hand fourth. Mikkola, 28, moved to Florida last summer.
The extension time website remindsthat on the Panthers’ payroll, a championship ring will also be given to the development coach Tomi Mäki and European talent scouts Tommi Huhtala and Tommi Santala.
The Florida Panthers started in the NHL in the 1993–1994 season. In the Stanley Cup finals, it had been the losing side twice: 1996 against Colorado and 2023 against Vegas.
– Nothing really moves in the mind. It’s hard to put into words what happened there. It felt like we just went to play one game and won. Maybe it will become clear in the next few days, Anton Lundell was surprised in the championship hum.
– It’s that… When you see that guy, that boy. It’s shiny and it’s a lot heavier than I expected. The dream came true. We always dream of winning. Now we really won, and no one is going to take that away from us.
The last week was tough. Edmonton went from 0-3 to level in the final series. The last time Detroit was successful in something similar was in 1945. Only once from 0–3 had they risen to the championship, in 1942 and that was Toronto.
Now Florida cleared its purgatory. Toronto’s gimmick remains unique. Lundell admitted that the past week or so was tough.
– It must be said that yes, we wanted to win earlier. Two good teams against each other. We just couldn’t.
– It felt like the pressure was off us when we didn’t win the sixth game in Edmonton. We came home and talked. We agreed that why not. Let’s just go put it all on the line. What happens happens, but we don’t need to stress anymore.
During the spring and summer, the center forward Lundell has even been hailed as a “mini-Barkov”. The young man quickly turned into an extremely reliable two-way center in the NHL. In the playoffs, he hit 3+14 (+8).
– Absolutely cool. These three years in Florida have gone by so incredibly fast. It feels like I just played at the Stad.
– Last year we smelled the finals, but we weren’t ready. This year we came with new energy and motivation. It was hanging in the air and we had a feeling this could be the year. This was the year!
The family’s presence made Lundell even more emotional.
– Absolutely cool. I have looked at Teemu Selänten and highlights of other legends. How they hug their families when they win. Now I’m in that situation.
– It’s absolutely great that, first of all, they are here, and we were able to win, even on home ice. I can’t put it into words, but I am extremely happy that my parents and brother have always been there for me.
Next up is a proper party. Regarding them, Anton Lundell put expectations on the Finns’ shoulders.
– Can’t we good crackers get started. Midsummer passed a bit, so this can be a late midsummer party. We have a lot of Finns, so why don’t we get a good party started in the Finnish style.
Who is the master of ceremonies?
– It will be clear soon. There is still a place open.
Where will the Stanley Cup come to visit in the summer?
– At least he will come to the stadium.