Party-going Panthers Celebrate in High Spirits
The Stanley Cup, a trophy known for its wild and quirky celebrations, hardly saw the Florida Panthers behave differently. Here's a rundown of their post-win antics.
Elbo Room Revelry
Reminiscent of a scene straight out of a movie, the Panthers players descended upon the Elbo Room, a renowned Fort Lauderdale beach bar, following their monumental victory. Channeling Jean Prevert, if you remember the Elbo Room, it's probably because you've never been there. The almost-confirmed champions arrived in the early hours, ready to toast their triumph and relive the glory days with bubbly and beer.
After a series of spirited toasts, they poured champagne off the balcony, filled the Cup with beer, and liberally doused their fans below. Some sources suggest that a local performer might have strummed "Wagon Wheel," a classic tribute to the city's spirit, on his guitar. Amid the chaos, A.J. Greer took the opportunity to get a fresh trim.
Golf Cart Galavanting
With the party still in full swing, the Panthers players hopped into nearby golf carts and hit the road, making their way back home on Las Olas Boulevard. The return trip from the Elbo Room in a golf cart is notoriously hectic, with drivers veering dangerously close to vehicles and pedestrians. However, it seems the team managed to make it to their destination unscathed.
Trophy Tussles
With a history littered with accidental Cup damage, the football-shaped trophy has certainly weathered its fair share of rough handling. The Panthers didn't shy away from adding to the trophy's colorful past, as evidenced by a small crack that appeared on the bowl during their on-ice celebrations. A slight bend was also observed on the base of the Cup in photographs taken at the Elbo Room.
Early Morning Knock
In a heartwarming display of camaraderie, captain Aleksander Barkov paid a visit to his neighbor in the wee hours of the morning post-victory. Security camera footage captured Barkov soberly standing outside his neighbor's door, presumably having promised to show off the Cup after their win. The clip goes on to show Barkov explaining his purpose to the lady who answers the door.
The championship parade, planned for Sunday at noon, will follow the same route as last season's event. With a crowd of around 200,000 people reportedly attending the first Stanley Cup parade in Florida in 2024, it's safe to say there will be plenty of spirits flowing. So, grab a beer and join in on the revelry!
As the Panthers reveled at the Elbo Room, the trophy once again become the center of attention, with its surface getting a taste of beer and a small crack appearing on the bowl. After their victory, captain Aleksander Barkov, seemingly in high spirits, even attempted to show off the Cup to his neighbor in the middle of the night. As the team took part in various post-win antics, it became clear that the NHL season had been filled with a combination of sports, excitement, and unforgettable hockey moments.
