Even the only two other South Florida teams that went to three straight championship rounds like the Panthers carry scars of their journeys. Coach Don Shula stood in the Dolphins locker room after losing the 1971 Super Bowl and told his players, “Remember how bad you feel to help win next year.” They won the next two titles.

The novelty of winning at this time of year hasn’t worn off. The defending champions simply have become used to it by now.

Bill Zito didn’t do any significant celebrating after the Florida Panthers clinched their third straight trip to the Stanley Cup Final.