It wasn't easy. Winning the Stanley Cup never is. At one stage, the Panthers were strong favorites after taking a 3-0 lead over the Oilers. However, McDavid and the Oilers fought back, forcing a decisive Game Seven in Florida. The game was tightly contested, with the Panthers ultimately securing a 2-1 victory. Maurice later expressed his desire to see the Winnipeg Jets win next year's Cup to reporters.
Maurice boasts nearly 30 years as an NHL head coach, including nine years with the Jets, where he pursued a coveted Stanley Cup victory. His most promising campaign with the team was in 2018, reaching the Western Conference finals but falling short. Throughout his career, he has earned widespread respect as one of the league's most esteemed coaches, underscored by the accolades flooding his social media tonight.
Maurice has one year remaining on his contract with the Florida Panthers. It will be intriguing to see if he opts to retire then, having accomplished nearly everything in the National Hockey League. If so, what a remarkable career it has been. Congratulations to Maurice and the entire Florida Panthers organization.
