The Florida Panthers opened the 2025 Stanley Cup Final with a tough overtime loss, but if there’s one thing this battle-tested group isn’t doing—it’s panicking. After surrendering a 3-1 lead to the surging Edmonton Oilers, the defending champions now find themselves trailing in a series they know better than anyone isn’t won in a single night.

For veterans like Matthew Tkachuk, the loss was more a wake-up call than a red flag. The Panthers have been here before—this marks their third consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearance—and experience has taught them to manage emotions just as much as momentum.

In the aftermath of Game 1, Tkachuk cut through the noise with a simple but telling declaration: “They’re better, we’re better, it’s going to be a great series.“ The message, shared on X by NH

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