In a classic case of celebratory overzealousness, the Stanley Cup emerged from the Panthers’ boisterous Game 6 revelry with a cracked bowl and a dented bottom, proving once again that trophies don’t mix well with beer and beach bars.

The Panthers’ post-victory festivities at the Elbo Room beach bar took an unfortunate turn when the revered Stanley Cup sustained damage, joining the ranks of trophy mishaps that include everything from Montreal Canadiens' roadside abandonments to four-legged forays involving a Derby winner. Fortunately, the Hockey Hall of Fame's Keepers of the Cup plan to perform emergency repairs ahead of this Sunday’s celebration parade, reminding fans that while tradition may allow for a few dents, the trophy's integrity is still a priority—at least until the next round of festivities.

The damage occurred right after the Panthers triumphed over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6, a moment that clearly called for both victory laps and keg stands. In the spirit of celebration, players apparently decided that pouring beer from the bowl of the Stanley Cup onto fans was the epitome of both revelry and hydration. A fine choice, if you consider seats at a local watering hole a worthy substitute for a slap shot's precision.

Celebrating hockey victories at local bars has become somewhat of a tradition, though it seems the Panthers may have taken this custom to new heights—or new depths, depending on how you view the bowl of a trophy that is now unofficially designated as a 'cracked cup.' As photographs and videos began circulating on social media, it became evident that the Stanley Cup enjoyed its time in the limelight, albeit not as gracefully as one might have hoped.

While some fans predictably cheered on the trophy’s role as a beer vessel, others were left to wonder if perhaps this was the cup's way of asserting its own party spirit. It's not the first time the Cup has shown it doesn't appreciate being treated as merely a trophy; its family tree is dotted with cautionary tales of damage. For instance, in 1924, the Montreal Canadiens outright abandoned it—how’s that for a post-party sentiment?

Of course, 'damage during celebrations' is a badge the Stanley Cup wears with a peculiar pride. In 1987, NHL legend Mark Messier took a similar approach to partying, putting the trophy at risk during a club celebration after snagging a win with the Oilers. Fast forward to 2022, Jim Murphy of the Colorado Avalanche added his name to the list when he lost his footing while skating, showing that even seasoned players should perhaps stick to staying on two feet.

And then, there was the unforgettable incident of the Rangers in 1994, where a Kentucky Derby winner mistook the trophy for an oversized feeding bowl. While one might argue the equine enthusiast had rather noble intentions, that moment certainly left a few marks on the Cup’s pedigree.

What all of this suggests is not just a cavalcade of minor disasters but a shared tradition among hockey players: celebrate hard, then fix it later. The Keepers of the Cup likely have their work cut out for them before the festive parade scheduled for Sunday. At this rate, they might consider adding a whole department dedicated to emergency repairs for trophies at parties. Because let’s face it, fixing a cracked cup is cheaper than making new ones—just ask the Canadiens.

As the Panthers bask under the warm Florida sun, pint glasses in hand, they may do well to keep an eye on their beloved trophy. After all, it appears that the Stanley Cup, much like its party-loving guardians, has a few wild stories left to tell. Whether for better or for worse, next year’s candidates looking to claim the trophy might be wise to bring a repair manual along for the ride.