Golden Knights can finally celebrate in 'Quest For The Stanley Cup'

The Vegas Golden Knights spoke about being on the cusp of winning the first Stanley Cup in their six-season history. The Florida Panthers waited to see if their top star, forward Matthew Tkachuk, could play in what could be their last chance to extend the Stanley Cup Final.

That's the stage that was set during the seventh and final episode of "Quest For The Stanley Cup."

Forward Zac Dalpe kept things light for the Panthers as they prepared for Game 5, especially with forward Grigori Denisenko, who, with Tkachuk unable to go, would make his Stanley Cup Playoffs debut in the Final.

Dalpe, who at 33 was about to play in his 16th playoff game, also was in the Cup Final for the first time in his NHL career. He told Denisenko to embrace the opportunity.

"The greatest hockey moment of your life, to play in the Final," Dalpe told Denisenko. "I've been doing this for 14 years, and I've never done this before. So I can't sit here and tell you the magic potion, but I have been having a lot more fun as the grind's gone on, because you just appreciate it more. I hope you do, too. I'm proud of you."

RELATED: [Learn more about 'Quest For The Stanley Cup']

As Vegas captain Mark Stone picks up an iced coffee the morning of Game 5, he anticipated what emotions would be there later that night.

"I think guys are obviously going to be a little bit nervous, right? But I think you can use that to your advantage," he said.

"(The Panthers) potentially going to be playing a little more loose but we have a veteran enough team that guys will stick to their routine, stick to what they know best, no distractions. Guys understand what this means, right? If you can achieve it, probably the best experience you're going to have, other than probably having kids, in your life."

As Florida prepares for Game 5 without Tkachuk, it leans on being in this position before; it trailed the Boston Bruins 3-1 in the Eastern Conference First Round and came back to win in seven games.

The Golden Knights, meanwhile, focus on finishing.

"No one has to do anything extraordinary, just do what you've been doing, play our game and we'll be fine," said Vegas defenseman Alec Martinez, who won the Cup with the Los Angeles Kings in 2012 and 2014. "Outcome will dictate itself."

The Panthers have some good opportunities to take an early lead, including one by Denisenko, but Golden Knights goalie Adin Hill keeps the visitors at bay. Then, with Florida on a power play, a short-handed goal by Stone gives Vegas the momentum it needs.

"Oh my God," said Golden Knights forward Keegan Kolesar, who was in the penalty box for interference.

Florida coach Paul Maurice keeps the Panthers focused during the first intermission, trailing 2-0.

"Mental toughness, now, mental toughness," he said.

That toughness showed when Florida defenseman Aaron Ekblad scored to cut the Vegas lead to 2-1. But the Golden Knights wrested control with a dominating second period, scoring four goals to enter the third leading 6-1.

When Stone completed a hat trick to give the Golden Knights an 8-3 lead 14:06 into the third period, the celebration had all but begun.

"Six years, baby!" Vegas forward Jonathan Marchessault said as he hugged defenseman Brayden McNabb. The Golden Knights won the Cup in their sixth NHL season.

An obviously disappointed Maurice reflected on the Panthers' season afterward.

"I've never, ever in my life had a year like this," he said. "These guys, they may say, 'Well, the coach made it fun.' I didn't make it fun at all for these guys. They made it fun for me. It was truly a special year. I don't think I can describe it to you very well. All the good things in this game actually aren't the game. The hockey's great, we love the sport. But the best it can be is in a room like that. It was a brilliant year."

Meanwhile, the Golden Knights celebrated, hugging teammates and coach Bruce Cassidy. They took their team photo and welcomed families onto the ice.

As Stone was showered with champagne in the locker room, center Jack Eichel handed the floor to center Chandler Stephenson.

"Hey, 'Stevie''s got the wig," said Eichel of the Elvis Presley wig he bought on Amazon to give to the top player of each game.

"Not much to say, just enjoy it. If anybody's going to retire it, cap," Stephenson said as he handed the wig to Stone.

Four days later, the Golden Knights had one final picture day. Posing with them were the Stanley Cup, the Conn Smythe Trophy for most valuable player of the playoffs, won by Marchessault; and the Clarence S. Campbell Bowl, which Vegas claimed when it won the Western Conference.

Then, it was parade time.

"To be able to do this with 30 best friends, it's so special," Stone said. "This is one of the best days of my life, just being able to celebrate this, what I dreamed of when I was probably 3 or 4 years old.

"Ever since I've gotten here, the goal has been to win. The fans have been all in for us and here we are, standing as champions."

Episode 7 of "Quest For The Stanley Cup" premieres Friday at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN+ in the United States and YouTube.com/NHL in Canada and abroad. Episodes also will be re-aired on ESPN2.