NOT VLADDY’S FIRST RODEO

While most Panthers players hoisted the Lord Stanley for the first time, Vladimir Tarasenko was an old pro. The veteran right winger won the Stanley Cup in 2019 as a member of the St. Louis Blues — another franchise to win its first-ever Cup. Tarasenko and Carter Verhaeghe, playing with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020, were the only Cats who had previously won it all. Clearly, that experience intrigued the Panthers, who acquired Tarasenko at the trade deadline. Vladdy appeared in all 24 playoff games, collecting nine points (five goals, four assists). “His leadership has been crucial for us,” said Sam Bennett. “He’s got that experience and a lot of guys look up to him, so he’s been incredible for especially the young guys.”