When the Florida Panthers joined the NHL in 1993, a hockey team based in South Florida didn’t seem a great fit. But a sport played on ice in an air-conditioned arena has been the perfect complement for the heat and humidity of the beach. Both snowbirds from the northeast and native Floridians have embraced the Panthers in their first quarter-century of play.

We Have Arrived

It typically takes expansion franchises a long time to find their way, but that wasn’t how it happened for the Florida Panthers. During the 1995-96 season, in just their third year of existence, the Panthers surprised everyone by reaching the Stanley Cup Finals. Despite only finishing third in the Atlantic division, Florida knocked off the Bruins, Flyers, and Penguins – three of the most iconic and established franchises in the NHL – in the Eastern Conference playoffs to reach the finals. Alas, the Panthers ended their magical run in the Stanley Cup Finals, getting swept by the Colorado Avalanche in four games.

Not So Easy

After that run to the Stanley Cup Finals, the Panthers quickly learned that it’s not easy staying at the top. Sustained success has been difficult for the team. Despite finally capturing their first division title in 2012 and another one in 2016, the Panthers have not won a playoff series since reaching the Stanley Cup Finals in 1996.

In fact, the Panthers have reached the playoffs just four times in the more than 20 years since they played in the finals. Sadly, they've become one of the worst teams in the NHL, rarely being a threat to their Eastern Conference foes that have a history filled with far more tradition and history. Fans have stood by them, though, for the triumphant moment that is sure to come someday.