Guide Note

The Florida Panthers play in the Southeast division of the NHL's Eastern Conference. For a list of teams and their divisions, see NHL Teams.

Early History

The Panthers joined the NHL in 1993 as the 26th team in the league. Originally started by Blockbuster Video founder Wayne Huizenga, the team first played at Miami Arena.

Championship Run

After failing to reach the playoffs their first two years in the league, the Panthers entered the 1996 Stanley Cup Playoffs following a 41-31-10 regular season record. They defeated the Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins in the first three rounds to reach the finals. In their first ever appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals, the Panthers fell to the Colorado Avalanche, four games to none.

Moving North

The Panthers left Miami in 1998 for their newly built BankAtlantic Center arena, outside of Fort Lauderdale. In the years since the move, the Panthers have reached the post season only once, where they were swept by the New Jersey Devils in the first round of the 2000 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Legend of the Rats

While the team was still playing in Miami in 1995, the arena was ambushed by a pack of rats. Before a October 8, 1995 game, Panthers right wing Scott Mellanby killed one of the creatures with a "one-timer" shot in the team locker room. This began a tradition of fans throwing plastic rats on the ice following a goad or great game.

Fast Facts

Inaugural season: 1993
Finals appearances: 1 (1996)
Stanley Cups: 0
Home: Bank Atlantic Center, Sunrise Florida

Categories

Sports | Sports Teams | Hockey Teams | NHL Teams

View Note History

Florida Panthers

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Alan Cohen, General Partner
Bill Torrey
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Florida Panthers Timeline

1993: Franchise founded
1996: In just 3rd season they reach the Stanley Cup Finals
1995: Scott Mellanby one-timer in locker room kills a rat
1999: Trade for sniper Pavel Bure

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