For the first time since 2003, the Stanley Cup MVP went to a player who lost in the final

The Florida Panthers defeated the Edmonton Oilers 2-1 in the seventh game of the Stanley Cup Finals, securing the 2024 Stanley Cup.

Despite the Panthers' victory, the playoff MVP was awarded to Edmonton Oilers' forward Connor McDavid. This marks the first time since 2003 that the Conn Smythe Trophy has been awarded to a player from the losing team in the finals. The last recipient was Anaheim Ducks' goaltender Jean-Sébastien Giguère. The most recent skater to win the MVP despite a loss was Reggie Leach in 1976.

By the way, Additionally, became the third player in Stanley Cup playoff history to surpass 40 points, joining Mario Lemieux and Wayne Gretzky.

Interestingly, a few months ago, a photo of a young Jayson Tatum, now playing for the Boston Celtics, alongside Matthew Tkachuk, who plays for the Florida Panthers, went viral. Both athletes have become champions of their respective leagues this month.

Additionally, it's worth noting that Florida Panthers' captain Aleksander Barkov became the first Finn in Stanley Cup history to lift the trophy. Until now, no Finnish player had achieved this unique feat.