Florida Panthers win their first Stanley Cup
They beat Canada’s Edmonton Oilers 2-1 in game 7, securing the Florida Panthers first ever Stanley Cup.
Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon broke through Thursday night, sweeping hockey’s top awards — the Hart Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award.
MacKinnon ranked second in the NHL and set a franchise record with 140 points. He led the league in even-strength points (92), multi-point games (44) and shots on goal (405) and recorded at least one point in his first 35 home games.
He had been a finalist for the Hart (writers vote) three previous times and the Lindsay (players vote) two times.
He picked up 137 out of 194 first-place votes and edged out two previous winners — Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov and Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (three times) — for the Hart. Kucherov and Toronto Maple Leafs 69-goal scorer Auston Matthews were the other Lindsay finalists.
“It could easily be any of you guys,” MacKinnon said on stage after accepting the Hart. “I think everyone knows it’s such a toss-up this year. … Some of my favorite players ever have won this trophy, so super happy, excited to share with my teammates.”
Other award winners announced on Thursday night:
Vezina Trophy (goaltender):
Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck: He won the Jennings Trophy as the goaltender on the team allowing the fewest regular-season goals. Hellebuyck yielded three or fewer goals in 50 of his 60 appearances, including a pair of 10-game streaks with two or fewer goals against. He won the award in 2020 and was a finalist two other times, including last season.
Norris Trophy (defenseman)
Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes: He led all defensemen with 75 assists and 92 points — breaking his franchise records for a defenseman — as the Canucks secured their first playoff berth since 2019‑20 and first division title since 2012-13. The first-time winner was named Canucks captain this season. His younger brother Luke finished third in rookie of the year voting.
Calder Trophy (rookie)
Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard: The 2023 No. 1 overall pick led or tied for first among rookies in goals (22), assists (39) and points (61) despite missing 14 games with a broken jaw. He also led rookies in shots on goal (206) and takeaways (47). He was first on the Blackhawks in assists and points and tied for first in goals. He had a five-point game on March 12 against Anaheim and scored a lacrosse-style “Michigan” goal on Dec. 23 against St. Louis.
Previously announced winners
Jack Adams Award (coach): Canucks’ Rick Tocchet
Selke Trophy (defensive forward): Panthers center Aleksander Barkov
Lady Byng Trophy (sportsmanship): Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin
Jim Gregory GM of the Year: Dallas Stars’ Jim Nill
Masterton Trophy (perseverance): Arizona Coyotes’ (now Utah Hockey Club’s) Connor Ingram
Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award: Mark DeMontis, founder of Canadian Blind Hockey.
First All-Star team
Center: MacKinnon; left wing: Artemi Panarin, New York Rangers; right wing: Kucherov. Defensemen: Quinn Hughes; Roman Josi, Nashville Predators; Goalie: Hellebuyck.
Second All-Star team
Center: McDavid; left wing: Filip Forsberg, Predators; right wing David Pastrnak, Boston Bruins. Defensemen: Cale Makar, Avalanche; Adam Fox, Rangers. Goalie: Thatcher Demko, Canucks.
All-rookie team
Forwards: Bedard; Logan Cooley, Coyotes; Marco Rossi, Minnesota Wild. Defensemen: Brock Faber, Wild; Luke Hughes, Devils. Goaltender: Pyotr Kochetkov, Hurricanes.
