The Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers are on the brink of making history in the NHL as they compete in the Stanley Cup final that has extended into the summer months. This rare occurrence marks only the sixth time in league history that the season has stretched into the summer, with the last time being in 2013.
As the Northern Hemisphere welcomes summer, both teams have the opportunity to join an exclusive group of teams that have won games in fall, winter, spring, and summer within the same NHL season. This feat is a testament to their consistency and resilience throughout the year.
The Edmonton Oilers, led by players like Mattias Janmark, have shown their determination by sending the Stanley Cup final back to Edmonton after a victory over the Panthers in Game 5. Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers, with players like Ryan Lomberg, are equally eager to secure a win and make history.
Looking back at previous instances where the NHL season extended into the summer, teams like the Colorado Avalanche and Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2021-22 season managed to achieve victories across all seasons within the same year. Their success serves as inspiration for the current finalists, highlighting the significance of this achievement.
Despite the challenges posed by various factors such as labor disputes and the COVID-19 pandemic, both the Panthers and Oilers have persevered to reach this stage of the competition. Fans are eagerly anticipating the outcome of Game 6 and, if necessary, Game 7 to determine the ultimate champion of the 2023-24 NHL season.
Whichever team emerges victorious in the Stanley Cup final will not only be celebrated as the hockey champion but will also etch their names in NHL history by becoming part of an elite group of teams that have triumphed in all seasons of the same year. The excitement and anticipation surrounding this milestone are palpable, underscoring the significance of this achievement for both franchises.