Panthers fans, many eager to attend Game 3, cheer as Florida evens Stanley Cup Final

Go Cats Go!

The chants roared in Sunrise Friday, and they’re only going to get louder next week.

While the Florida Panthers breaking the hearts of Edmonton Oilers fans in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final up in Alberta, their delirious fans were warming up the barn by the swamp for their team’s return to Broward County.

The defending champs got the all-important split in Edmonton thanks to a thrilling 5-4 double-overtime victory Friday.

Game 3 is back in Sunrise Monday, and if Game 2’s Panthers watch party was any preview, expect a wild atmosphere.

The lower level, packed for the start of the game, was far emptier when Brad Marchand ended it more than four hours later.

But they made a major ruckus when the game winner went through the pipes.

As a result, the Panthers don’t need to win another road game if they take care of business in the swamp.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. This has all the makings of a series going seven games -- again. The Panthers and Oilers are as evenly matched as two teams can get. So if these teams go the distance for the Cup for a second straight year, Amerant Bank will be the place to be.

Particularly for fans on a budget.

The $15 entry fee for Friday’s watch party – which benefitted the Florida Panthers Foundation – is pittance compared to the steep bill for Games 3, 4, and 6 (should the series get that far).

“This year, the prices have like tripled,” said Lorenzo Echeverria, 22, of Boca Raton.

Echeverria was part of a big group that made the trip down the Sawgrass for Games 1 and 2. And he ponied up $500 for a seat in the last row of the building for Game 3.

“I didn’t go the last couple of years, I was like, this year, I don’t care what the prices we going. With Game 6, I think it is starting in like $1,000 I love the Panthers, but I got loans.”

And an extensive wardrobe.

Echeverria isn’t a superstitious guy, but after the Panthers blew a 3-1 lead in Game 1, he changed up his threads. He went with the Matthew Tkachuk Four Nations Team USA sweater Friday night. After Florida’s riveting come-from-behind win, he might never wash it.

“I think if we play our best hockey, there’s no reason we go back-to-back.”

Jackson Drowos, 13, wore his personalized Panthers jersey to the arena Friday. He’ll wear it again to Games 3 and 4 – without laundering.

Jackson’s favorite player? Sam Bennett, who scored his 13^th postseason goal in the first period Friday.

His favorite part of Panthers games, which he attends with his dad Bryan?

“The atmosphere.”

Credit the Panthers staff for making a game on TV feel like the real thing Friday night.

This story was originally published June 7, 2025 at 12:36 AM.