The Florida Panthers are headed to the Stanley Cup Final for the third straight year—but there was one thing they refused to touch. After defeating the Carolina Hurricanes 5–3 to clinch the Eastern Conference title, the Panthers skated past the Prince of Wales Trophy without laying a finger on it.
The team’s decision to skip the traditional trophy celebration sent a clear message: the job isn’t done. It all comes down to superstition.
Why the Florida Panthers refused to touch the trophy
In hockey, like in many sports, superstition can heavily influence players and teams. The belief surrounding the NHL’s conference trophies, the Prince of Wales Trophy for the Eastern Conference and the Clarence S. Campbell Bowl for the Western Conference, is straightforward. Touching either before winning the Stanley Cup is thought to bring bad luck.
History provides mixed evidence to support this theory. For instance, back in 2023, the Panthers themselves touched the Prince of Wales Trophy, but ultimately lost the Stanley Cup Finals. A year later, in 2024, they deliberately avoided touching it—and went on to hoist the Stanley Cup.
Hoping history repeats itself, this year’s Panthers again embraced superstition and opted to steer clear of the trophy.
Yet, not everyone subscribes to this tradition. Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins notably challenged the superstition. Crosby famously handled the Prince of Wales Trophy each time his Penguins reached the finals in 2009, 2016, and 2017. Remarkably, Pittsburgh secured the Stanley Cup each of those years.
Symbolism behind the Florida Panthers’ trophy silence
Proponents argue it’s a harmless tradition that can reinforce team unity and maintain mental focus on the ultimate goal: the Stanley Cup. After all, the conference title, though meaningful, is ultimately just a stepping stone on the path to the NHL’s greatest prize.
Critics, however, point out Crosby’s success as proof that skill, determination, and perhaps a bit of luck have more impact on the outcome of the finals than whether or not you’ve touched a trophy.
Ultimately, one thing remains undeniably true: their ultimate goal remains lifting hockey’s holy grail, the Stanley Cup.
Bringing home the Stanley Cup
For Panthers fans, this decision not to touch the trophy sends a clear message: the job isn’t done yet. The players clearly believe there’s still unfinished business, hoping their decision today results in celebration tomorrow.
Will the Panthers’ cautious approach prove beneficial again? Either way, the Stanley Cup Finals promise to deliver plenty of drama both on and off the ice.