FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - Panthers fans across South Florida are once again ready to cheer on the Cats to a repeat performance.
Fans watched from bars all across South Florida as the Panthers secured their spot in the Stanley Cup finals for the third year in a row after defeating the Carolina Hurricanes in game five, Wednesday night, scoring five goals in the final two periods.
Fans in Raleigh had a front-row seat, saying they were confident the comeback cats would make it again.
“I think it was the best $400 I’ve ever spent in my life,” said one fan. “I knew that we were going to secure our Stanley Cup finals tonight, and boy oh boy.”
“I don’t even have words; my heart is out of my chest,” said another fan.
“I thought it was Black Friday or something,” said another fan. “All I know is we’re living in an incredible movie, and it’s a blessing that we have.”
“Third year in a row, you gotta love it,” said a man.
The Panthers are set to face the winner of the series between the Dallas Stars and the Edmonton Oilers. If the latter wins, this year’s Stanley Cup finals will be a repeat of last season’s.
“It’s going to be a hell of a final if it is the Oilers we have to go up against them, and if it’s the Dallas, we’re going to go even harder,” said a man.
“Honestly, it doesn’t matter. Bring it. I think my team [The Panthers] is going to win no matter what,” said a woman.
“I think it’s wonderful,” said a man. “I mean, any time we have a Panthers shirt that says champions, I’m so happy. Playing the Oilers again, I mean, we went to the finals, lost, came back with vengeance, and won. They went to the finals and lost. I’m worried they might come back with vengeance, but I’m confident in our abilities and confident in our team.”
According to The Athletic, when the Panthers are at home, they have the third-highest attendance per game in the National Hockey League.
Fans pounced on the new merchandise for the Eastern Conference finals champions at the Baptist Health IcePlex.
“Yeah, I bought my dad a shirt for the Eastern Conference finals, and my daughter, she’s spoiled, she’s getting another jacket,” said a woman.
“She’s getting her first Panthers hat,” said a man.
“A Bobrovsky jersey,” said a young fan.
The new Eastern Conference champions shirts proving to be a fan-favorite.
“I love them. Man, the team is fantastic, come on, man,” said Tom Lombardi.
Some fans getting patches and personalized jerseys to celebrate the big win.
“That’s what we’re here for,” said a woman.
“More patches,” said a man.
From the older fans to the newer fans, being a fan of the comeback cats is a wild journey they wouldn’t trade for any other team.
“It’s so much fun, it’s so exciting,” said Annalise Sherman, a fan. “I actually moved here a couple of years ago. So I was never really into hockey, but moving down to South Florida has brightened my awareness of how special hockey is.”
“I moved down here 20 years ago,” Rick Levy told 7News. “Going to the Panther arena, I think you could get in for $6. Or if you went to 7-Eleven, you could get a free ticket. I love the fact that this place is packed.”
“Going to the playoffs as a season ticket holder, it’s like you’re on a journey with them,” said Jay Wasserman. “You’re there for two months, and you kind of bleed with them, and you rejoice with them, and you’re sad with them.”
“It’s just like the South Florida macho in sports. I feel like we all have those ups and downs, those roller coasters, but definitely it’s just exciting. It’s so exciting to be a part of that,” said a woman.
With the Panthers needing just four more wins for a second straight Stanley Cup title, fans are eager for the puck to drop.
“Do you want the Stanley Cup?” 7News’ Jessica Vallejo asked a pair of young fans.
“Yes,” one of them said.
“Yes, very much,” the other fan said.
“I say Panthers in six,” said a woman. “Because I wanna win it at home.”
Fans can purchase 2025 Eastern Conference Champions merchandise at Pantherland powered by FLA Team Shop at Baptist Health IcePlex and online. Click here for more information.
Single-game tickets for the Stanley Cup Final will go on sale to the general public on Friday.
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