By: Gabriela Yareliz
The Florida Panthers are back-to-back Stanley Cup champions. I told you guys, they are undeniable.
One of the TNT commentators (I think it was Lundqvist) said this team is a masterclass in teamwork and the game of hockey. They are.
This team is fierce. Their coach— iconic. Underlying everything is their belief.
I was listening to Matthew Tkachuk, a player they say that shifted the entire Panthers culture, talk about his injuries and the fact that he wasn’t sure he would be able to play in the playoffs. He didn’t just play, he played well. A commentator rightly observed that he was “never a liability.”
TNT’s Jackie spoke to Sergei Bobrovsky who spent the whole time praising the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It was particularly moving, blunt and heartfelt. Belief.
The players continued to underscore how much they love each other and their cover and fight for one another. Belief.
Belief is different from pressure. Belief is different from isolated precise execution. Belief is the thing that keeps you going when others quit. Belief gives you trust in the person fighting alongside you. Belief opens a door to achieve what others underestimate you for.
Last night, all of the pro-Oiler commentators were forced to acknowledge that there is something in Florida that is a force. It can’t be copied. If this were a tree, it’s not a leaf thing, it’s a root thing.
The Florida Panthers are a team of insane belief that leads to a rare grind. There are no star players. Each is integral. Their belief has made it so.
If you missed the game, here are some highlights.
Some words from Coach Paul Maurice.
Florida forever.
GABRIELA YARELIZ 