Florida Panthers Kick Off Title Defense: Banner Raised with Eyes on Back-to-Back Stanley Cups

Tuesday, October 8th, 2024

Aleksander Barkov lifted the Stanley Cup while Florida Panthers fans celebrated at the beginning of the last season. This season kicked off in a similar fashion.

Barkov led his teammates onto the rink with the Cup, just before the first championship banner was raised to the ceiling. The Panthers gathered around the Cup again, signifying the start of the new season against the Boston Bruins.

Barkov expressed his ambition to chase another championship.

The jumbotron replayed Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, prompting cheers for Sam Reinhart’s goal and the match's remaining moments.

The pregame festivities officially concluded the celebrations for the franchise's inaugural title, with the players and staff having received their championship rings the day prior.

The banner showcases a white backdrop with red "Stanley Cup Champions" lettering, marked with "2024" at the bottom, and the Cup image placed above the team's logo. It was elevated over the end zone where the team claimed their victory.

Other banners indicating the Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference titles had already been set up.

During the summer, the Cup traveled to the homelands of the players, allowing visits with friends and family.

General manager Bill Zito is convinced that players have been in preparation for this season for several weeks.

A highlight reel of last season’s championship journey was played before the banner raising, and the Cup was presented once more on the ice.

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