SUNRISE, Fla. – Despite a 5-4 overtime loss, Florida Panthers fans were loud and proud at Amerant Bank Arena during Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final, with some willing to give up just about anything to see the Cup return to South Florida — from beer to beloved pets to even relationships.
With the Panthers looking to take a commanding 3-1 series lead in Thursday’s matchup, fans showed up in droves — including some famous faces. Among them: pop star Taylor Swift and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.
“You know it’s a big game when Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are in the house,” Local 10’s Clay Ferraro said.
Swift and Kelce kept a low profile, but other fans were loud and enthusiastic, some making lighthearted sacrifices in the name of victory.
Sophia, a Panthers fan with three dogs, was asked what she’d be willing to give up if it meant the Stanley Cup came back to South Florida.
“I mean, one of them is really old,” she said. “It’d have to be a really, really good game. It’d have to be a shutout.”
Another fan, Joe, was spotted with a beer-filled hockey stick and didn’t hesitate when asked if he’d give up beer for a year to secure another Cup.
“You said that very quickly. I’m impressed,” Ferraro said
“Yeah, my doctor would like that,” Joe replied.
Ted and AJ, who had just bought brand-new Jonah Gadjovich shirts, were asked if they’d give them up for a guaranteed championship.
“I would go buy you every single shirt in that place if that meant we get another Stanley Cup,” Ted said.
Then there was a woman who joked about giving up her boyfriend — despite their anniversary falling on the upcoming Saturday.
“He doesn’t need to be here if I can win a back-to-back Cup,” she said. “It’s been nice. It’s been a great year. But back-to-back, that’s just unreal.”
Asked whether that made him love her more, her boyfriend responded: “No, no, no. It’s OK.”
“Well, I’ll probably get a championship ring before I go, you know what I’m saying,” he added with a smile.
But the night didn’t end the way fans hoped. The Panthers fell 5-4 in overtime after Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl netted the game-winning goal, tying the series 2-2.
While the Panthers didn’t win, the crowd energy was undeniable and the fan devotion unmistakable.
The series returns to Edmonton for Game 5 on Saturday. Puck drop is set for 8 p.m.
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