Stanley Cup Appears to Be Dented in Photo After Panthers' Win vs. Oilers

The Florida Panthers haven't possessed the Stanley Cup for 24 hours, yet the trophy might already be worse for the wear.

The base of the Cup appeared to be dented as players were celebrating Wednesday following their 5-1 win over the Edmonton Oilers to seal their second straight title:

Various members of the squad were taking their turns with the trophy at Elbo Room in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The Panthers remained somewhat reserved when they eliminated the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final. They made a point not to touch the Prince of Wales Trophy as they set their sights on a bigger prize.

"I remember a few years ago, it felt like such an accomplishment," forward Matthew Tkachuk said at the time. "This year, it's all business."

Now, there's no need to hold back.

If a small dent is the extent of the damage to the Stanley Cup as it cycles its way through the Panthers roster, then it will have gotten off easy.

Beginning with the New Jersey Devils in 1995, every player from the winning team has gotten to spend one day with the trophy. As a result, the Cup has been put through the wringer over the years.

Wednesday's accident isn't even as bad as the time the Tampa Bay Lightning's Pat Maroon dropped the Stanley Cup in the aftermath of the 2021 final, creating a large dent at the top.