The Colorado Avalanche swept the Florida Panthers to capture their first Stanley Cup, just as they were emerging as a perennial powerhouse in the NHL
On June 10, 1996, the Colorado Avalanche swept the Florida Panthers and won the Stanley Cup. It was the first time the team lifted the chalice in franchise history, in their first season in Denver after relocating from Quebec City.
The remarkable championship run instantly validated the NHL’s move to Colorado and established the Avalanche as one of the league’s premier franchises. Goaltender Patrick Roy, acquired from the Montreal Canadiens earlier in the season in one of hockey’s most lopsided trades, provided a championship pedigree and stellar play in net, earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.
The series concluded dramatically when Uwe Krupp scored in triple overtime of Game 4, giving the Avalanche a 1-0 victory and completing the sweep. The goal touched off a celebration throughout Denver and marked the beginning of a golden era for the franchise.
The Avalanche would go on to become one of the NHL’s model organizations, adding another Stanley Cup in 2001 and cementing the 1996 team as one of the most memorable first-year success stories in professional sports history.
