Pierre LeBrun

1 week ago | nytimes.com | Pierre LeBrun

SUNRISE, Fla. — Sam Bennett wanted out. Bill Zito wanted in on him. It was April 2021 and the Florida Panthers GM got his hands on Bennett, who asked for a trade out of Calgary, Zito feeling strongly that a reset would unlock his fourth overall (2014) potential. The cost? Emil Heineman and a second-round pick. Four years later, Bennett picked up the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP after scoring a playoff-leading 15 goals in 23 games.

1 week ago | nytimes.com | Pierre LeBrun |Michael Russo

SUNRISE, Fla. — There are miniature Stanley Cups painted into the center ice red line at the Florida Panthers’ practice facility. They are representative of the franchise’s first-ever NHL championship last year. What will they come up with now? Tuesday night’s convincing 5-1 in Game 6 win over the Edmonton Oilers clinched the Panthers’ second consecutive Stanley Cup win, a feat that has them entering the dynasty discussion.

1 week ago | nytimes.com | Pierre LeBrun

If there is one trait Team Canada has looked to identify in players for international best-on-best hockey, it's the ability to rise to the occasion when the pressure is highest. With three straight Stanley Cup Finals, one Cup ring and another championship a win away, plus a solid performance at 4 Nations, Florida Panthers forward Sam Reinhart fit that bill.

1 week ago | nytimes.com | Pierre LeBrun

EDMONTON - It is easy to forget that Paul Maurice's hire as head coach in Florida wasn't universally praised. The Panthers in 2021-22 had just captured the Presidents' Trophy and led the NHL in goals scored, but Bill Zito believed his team needed to transform itself from an offensively minded group to a defensively conscious, two-way outfit that could win the right way in the playoffs.

2 weeks ago | nytimes.com | Pierre LeBrun

SUNRISE, Fla. - There are games in the history of the Stanley Cup Final that are not easily forgotten. If the Edmonton Oilers go on to win two more games and end Canada's 32-year Cup drought, everyone will remember where they were on June 12, 2025. What a freaking game. A 3-0 Florida Panthers lead after the first period. A timely Edmonton goalie switch. Four unanswered goals by the Oilers. Sam Reinhart ties it with 19.5 seconds left, throwing more adversity at Edmonton.