Barkov hoists Panthers’ first Stanley Cup, hands off to Bobrovsky

Watch as the Stanley Cup is presented to the champion Florida Panthers, with captain Aleksander Barkov being the first to hoist the hardware, followed by 14-year NHL veteran and two-time Vezina winner Sergei Bobrovsky.

Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice was clearly in a giving mood after winning the first Stanley Cup of his career on Monday.

Right after Maurice’s Panthers beat the Edmonton Oilers 2-1 in Game 7, Maurice spoke with Sportsnet’s Kyle Bukauskas and admitted he only had one more wish now that he’s won hockey’s ultimate prize.

“If I could have one more thing, it’s for the Winnipeg Jets to win the Stanley Cup,” Maurice said post-game.

Maurice coached the Jets from 2013 to 2021 and owns the franchise record for games coached (600) and wins (315).

The 57-year-old coach resigned from his position with the Jets midway through 2021-22 season. The Jets were swept by the Montreal Canadiens in the second round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Clearly, Maurice still has love for Winnipeg.

The head coach, who is now 5-0 in Game 7s in the Stanley Cup playoffs after Monday’s win, also took time to dedicate the win to those closest to him.

“It’s for my mom and dad, in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, for my brothers Mike and Shane in Sault Ste. Marie and Waterloo,” Maurice said after the game. “… All of the people that suffered through 30 years of me losing and making excuses, Mom and Dad especially.

“Hey Dad, your name is going up with your heroes. (Jean) Beliveau, (Maurice) Richard, (Gordie) Howe, (Ted) Lindsay, Maurice.”

Touching stuff from a man who just accomplished the ultimate goal in his profession.

The Panthers bench boss is known for his stirring quotes, and with the Panthers now on top of the NHL, Maurice is sure to make a few more headlines as the Panthers head into celebration mode.