Apr 22, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (72) and left wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrate after they beat the Tampa Bay Lightning in game one of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

nhl

Florida Panthers Stanley Cup Playoff History – What is the Panthers’ NHL Playoffs Record?

From underdog heroes to Cup Final contenders, explore the Florida Panthers' evolving journey through the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The Florida Panthers might be one of the younger franchises in the NHL, but their impact in the postseason has steadily grown since their debut in 1993. While they started as an expansion team with limited expectations, the Panthers have carved out their share of memorable moments, some heartbreaking, some heroic, in the chase for hockey’s biggest prize.

Though they don’t have the same decades-long legacy as Original Six teams, the Panthers have shown in recent seasons that they’re ready to build one, hungry to lift the Stanley Cup and cement their place in hockey history.

The Panthers take Game 1 of the Battle of Florida! ☀️ #StanleyCup

Catch Game 2 between the @FlaPanthers and @TBLightning on Thursday, April 24 at 6:30p ET on TBS, @SportsonMax, @Sportsnet and @TVASports 2! pic.twitter.com/y27xGv5ZUP
— NHL (@NHL) April 23, 2025

How Many Times Have the Florida Panthers Reached the NHL Playoffs?

Since their first NHL season in 1993–94, the Panthers have qualified for the playoffs 10 times as of the 2025 postseason. Their early years saw an unexpected and unforgettable run to the Stanley Cup Final in 1996, just three seasons into their existence.

After some inconsistent years and lengthy playoff droughts in the 2000s and 2010s, Florida has seen a resurgence in recent times, regularly reaching the postseason and even making a deep push toward the Cup.

What Is Florida’s Record in the Stanley Cup Playoffs?

Heading into the 2025 playoffs, the Florida Panthers have played 122 playoff games, recording 56 wins and 66 losses. While their playoff journey started slowly, their performance in recent years has helped improve their overall record significantly.

They’ve reached the Stanley Cup Final twice, first in 1996 and then again in 2023, when they captured the Eastern Conference title before falling to the Vegas Golden Knights in the Final. That 2023 run helped reshape the narrative around the team, showing that Florida wasn’t just a warm-weather hockey team, they were true contenders.

The Panthers’ Most Memorable Playoff Runs

Without question, the 1996 Stanley Cup run remains one of the most magical in NHL history. Led by captain Brian Skrudland, goaltender John Vanbiesbrouck, and an underdog spirit, the Panthers shocked the league, sweeping the top-seeded Penguins in the Eastern Conference Final before falling to the Avalanche in the Final.

But it was the 2023 season that reignited the fanbase. Florida snuck into the playoffs as the final wild card and went on a stunning run, knocking off the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Boston Bruins, then handling the Maple Leafs and Hurricanes, before meeting Vegas in the Final. Though they won the cup, the season changed the team’s perception.

Top 5 Panthers Playoff Seasons by Wins:

Year	Playoff Wins	Result
2023	13 Wins	Won in Stanley Cup Final
1996	12 Wins	Lost in Stanley Cup Final
2024	6 Wins	Lost in Second Round
2021	2 Wins	Lost in First Round
2022	4 Wins	Lost in Second Round

When Did Florida Last Appear in the NHL Playoffs?

The Panthers are currently in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, having qualified after a strong regular season where they finished near the top of the Atlantic Division. They continue to lean on a strong core of players like Matthew Tkachuk, Aleksander Barkov, and Sergei Bobrovsky, all of whom played key roles in their 2023 Final run.

In 2024, they made it to the second round before being eliminated by the Boston Bruins in six games. Each appearance adds more fuel to their playoff fire, with a locker room determined to go the distance.

How Many Stanley Cups Have the Panthers Won?

The Florida Panthers proudly lifted their first-ever Stanley Cup in franchise history during the 2023–2024 season. After years of near misses and tough playoff exits, the team finally reached the NHL mountaintop, cementing their place in history as Stanley Cup champions. As defending champs, they now carry the weight, and pride, of that victory into every game they play.

Image Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Florida Panthers

NHL

Anamika Shrivastava

nhl

I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!