SUNRISE, FLA. – The roar of the crowd was deafening, the celebratory rats rained down from the rafters, and the Florida Panthers etched their name into the annals of hockey history. While the entire team contributed to their spectacular back-to-back Stanley Cup triumph, one name shone brighter than any other in the decisive Game 6: Sam Reinhart. His incredible four-goal performance wasn’t just a win; it was a masterclass in clutch scoring, a historic feat that sealed the 5-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers and cemented the Panthers’ dynasty.
From the moment the puck dropped at Amerant Bank Arena, a palpable sense of urgency permeated the air. The Panthers, after a hard-fought series, were determined to close it out on home ice, and Reinhart became the embodiment of that resolve. He didn’t just score goals; he scored impactful goals, each one a dagger to the heart of Edmonton’s hopes.
The night began with a signature Reinhart effort, showcasing his individual skill and tenacity. Intercepting a pass just outside the Oilers’ blue line, he danced past a defender, cut to the slot, and, while falling, unleashed a shot that found its way past Stuart Skinner’s glove. It was a highlight-reel opener, setting the tone for the Panthers and igniting the crowd. This early strike marked his fourth consecutive game with a goal, demonstrating his consistent offensive prowess when it mattered most.
As the game progressed, Reinhart continued to haunt the Oilers. His second goal, a deflection off a strong shot from Aleksander Barkov in the second period, epitomized the Panthers’ relentless forecheck and willingness to go to the dirty areas. It was a testament to the team-first mentality that has defined this Florida squad, with Reinhart perfectly positioned to capitalize on a rebound.
The tension in the arena reached a fever pitch as the third period unfolded. The Oilers, despite being down, still possessed a potent offense led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. But Sam Reinhart extinguished any flicker of a comeback with his third goal, completing the coveted hat trick. This milestone sent a cascade of hats (and plastic rats, a Panthers tradition) onto the ice, a symbolic coronation of his dominant performance. This wasn’t just any hat trick; it was the first four-goal game and hat trick in the Stanley Cup Playoffs in Florida Panthers history, a testament to the magnitude of his individual achievement.
To put Reinhart’s Game 6 heroics into historical context, his four-goal explosion tied a record that has stood for nearly seven decades. The legendary Maurice “Rocket” Richard was the last player to score four goals in a Stanley Cup Final game, back in 1957. But Reinhart went a step further, becoming only the second player in NHL history, and the first since Babe Dye in 1922, to net four goals in a Cup-clinching game. This isn’t just an impressive stat; it’s a testament to his ability to rise to the occasion on the sport’s biggest stage, a performance worthy of comparison to the game’s all-time greats.
Reinhart wasn’t done there. With the Oilers pressing in a desperate attempt to claw back into the game, he sealed their fate with two empty-net goals, one at 13:26 and another at 14:55 of the third period. These empty-netters were less about individual brilliance and more about the collective strength of the Panthers, who dictated the pace and prevented any meaningful Edmonton surge.
This incredible night capped off an outstanding playoff run for Reinhart, who finished with 11 goals, tying him for second-most among all skaters in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. His production, combined with the Conn Smythe-winning performance of Sam Bennett and the stellar goaltending of Sergei Bobrovsky, provided the Panthers with a truly formidable attack.
The Florida Panthers, under the astute guidance of coach Paul Maurice, have proven that dedication, depth, and timely performances are the bedrock of championship success. Sam Reinhart’s four-goal masterpiece in Game 6 will be replayed for generations, serving as a powerful reminder of the night he became the reigning king of the ice and helped solidify the Panthers as a true NHL dynasty.
Watch Game 6 Full Highlights:
