The Panthers made a historic run to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time

 

#### Franchise Beginnings (1993-1996)

The Florida Panthers were established in 1993 as an expansion team. In their inaugural season, they set a then-record for the most successful season by an expansion team, finishing just short of the playoffs.

 

#### The Year of the Rat and the First Stanley Cup Final (1996)

The Panthers reached their first Stanley Cup Final in the 1995-1996 season, famously known as the “Year of the Rat.” This came after Scott Mellanby killed a rat in the locker room and then scored two goals that same game. Fans began throwing plastic rats on the ice, creating a unique and memorable tradition. Despite their remarkable run, the Panthers were swept by the Colorado Avalanche in the Finals.

 

#### Early Struggles and Rebuild (1997-2011)

Following their early success, the Panthers struggled with consistency and playoff appearances. The team went through several rebuilds, often finishing near the bottom of the standings. They saw a few playoff appearances but never advanced past the first round.

 

#### Return to the Playoffs and Atlantic Division Titles (2012-2016)

In 2011-2012, the Panthers won their first-ever Southeast Division title, ending a 12-year playoff drought. They lost in the first round to the New Jersey Devils. In 2015-2016, they won the Atlantic Division but again faced a first-round exit.

 

#### Recent Resurgence and Stanley Cup Final (2017-Present)

Under new leadership and management, the Panthers saw significant improvement. The 2021-2022 season marked a significant achievement, as they won the Presidents’ Trophy for the best regular-season record. In the 2022-2023 season, the Panthers made a historic run to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 1996, demonstrating the culmination of years of rebuilding and growth.

 

#### Conclusion

The Florida Panthers’ journey over the past 30 years has been marked by early success, years of struggle, and a recent resurgence that has reinvigorated the franchise. From their origins to becoming a competitive force in the NHL, the Panthers’ history is a testament to resilience and the enduring spirit of hockey in South Florida.