Aleksander Barkov Makes History as First Finnish Captain to Lift Stanley Cup
Aleksander Barkov guided the Florida Panthers to a thrilling Stanley Cup victory in game seven against the Edmonton Oilers.
On Monday, ice hockey center Aleksander Barkov made Finnish history in the NHL by becoming the first Finnish captain to lead a team to the Stanley Cup championship.
The Florida Panthers defeated the Edmonton Oilers 2-1 in the decisive seventh game, clinching the series 4-3.
Following Florida’s win, images of the 29-year-old lifting the trophy spread worldwide.
In addition to Barkov, other Finnish players on the winning team included Anton Lundell, Eetu Luostarinen, and Niko Mikkola. The Edmonton Oilers, in contrast, did not have any Finnish players on their roster for the finals.
The Panthers initially dominated the series, winning the first three games against the Oilers and needing just one more victory to secure the cup. However, the Oilers staged a comeback by winning the next three games, setting the stage for a winner-takes-all game seven.
The Florida players seemed unfazed by their previous three losses as they entered the decisive game.
“We knew we had to bring our best game, and we did,” Barkov stated.
Barkov received the championship trophy from NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, being the first to hold it that night. He skated around the rink before handing it to goalie Sergei Bobrovsky. Barkov, who had dreamed of winning the cup since he was young, reflected on the moment.
“It was a highlight. I’ve lost many finals in my life, from roller hockey to street hockey, but now I can finally say I’m a champion,” said a smiling Barkov.
