NHL brings back special Stanley Cup moment in Game 1 after multi-decade absence

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Tyler Ball
June 9, 2024 (3:43 PM)

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The Stanley Cup Playoffs are special in the eyes of many due to the many traditions put in place over the years and this season the NHL has reinstated one of the most special traditions.

The NHL has undergone a lot of change over the last several seasons. Expansions, relocations, a pandemic all of these things and many more have changed the landscape of the NHL. Last night before Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs the NHL brought back a pre-game tradition for the Stanley Cup Finals that had been missing since 1960.

First time since the 1960s that the Stanley Cup Final begins with what's on the line front and center on the ice.

Shortly after this post was made by Michael Russo it was pointed out that the tradition of having the Stanley Cup presented before Game 1 was brought back during the 2020 season in a modified way.

It wasn't on the ice, but the NHL did unveil the Stanley Cup in the stands right before puck drop on Game 1 of the 2020 Stanley Cup Final inside the COVID bubble.

Regardless of whether or not this was last done in 2020 or 1960, it was a fantastic moment having the Stanley Cup get its moment and truly preparing for the gravity of the situation. After the puck was dropped the Florida Panthers would put out a winning effort as Sergei Bobrovsky put on a show in net.

What a show Sergei Bobrovsky put on in Game 1. 🔥 #StanleyCup

Sergei Bobrovsky posted the best single-game performance of any goalie this postseason in Game 1, preventing a total of 2.90 goals over expected.

(GSAF = goals saved above expected)

The series will continue with Game 2 in Florida on Monday. The Stanley Cup Trophy will take a back seat again for a few games before being presented to the winner of the series.

Source: Blade of Steel
NHL brings back tradition from over 50 years ago