Podcast Summary: The Pat McAfee Show - PMS 2.0 1363

Date Released: June 18, 2025
Title: The Florida Panthers Win Back-To-Back Stanley Cups, Adam Schefter, Florida Panthers GM Bill Zito, Dan Orlovsky, Darius Butler, & AJ Hawk

1. Florida Panthers Crowned Back-to-Back Stanley Cup Champions

The episode kicks off with an enthusiastic celebration of the Florida Panthers securing their second consecutive Stanley Cup, marking them as the eighth franchise in NHL history to achieve back-to-back championships. Host Pat McAfee warmly congratulates the team and its fans, highlighting the transformation of the Panthers into a modern-day dynasty.

Notable Quote:
Pat McAfee [00:00]:
"Ladies and gentlemen, last night the Florida Panthers completed the journey of a back-to-back Stanley Cup championship run for the 13th time and have become the eighth franchise to accomplish such a feat."

2. Player Celebrations and Injuries

Darius J. Butler shares his excitement, humorously noting the celebratory (and non-alcoholic) beer poured by Marshawn Butler. The conversation delves into Butler's perspective as a long-time Panthers fan witnessing the team's rise from underperformance to championship glory.

Notable Quote:
Darius J. Butler [01:30]:
"Over the last few years though, they have become a dynasty through and through. Two Stanley Cup championships, three straight finals, and a team that is locked and loaded to represent hockey how hockey is supposed to be played every single night."

3. Team Culture and GM Bill Zito's Insights

Bill Zito, the General Manager of the Florida Panthers, joins the show to discuss the team's winning culture. Zito emphasizes the importance of character, teamwork, and a fun environment in building a successful franchise. He highlights the team's camaraderie, such as pre-game dinners and community engagement, which contribute to their sustained success.

Notable Quote:
Bill Zito [72:56]:
"We asked them for an inordinate amount of work. But when we're not working, it's, you know, enjoy your life, have fun, enjoy each other. And we're blessed that we have guys who have bought in and truly are..."

4. Free Agency and Future Prospects

The discussion shifts to the challenges of retaining key free agents within the Panthers' roster. With three of the top five pending free agents in the NHL being Panthers players, Zito addresses the financial and strategic decisions necessary to maintain the team's championship lineage.

Notable Quote:
Pat McAfee [06:51]:
"We have some good news. We'll be talking to General Manager of the Florida Panthers, Bill Zito in about an hour or so, and I cannot wait to ask him a lot of questions about what he does going forward."

5. NBA Playoffs: Indianapolis Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

Pat McAfee and his co-hosts discuss the intense NBA playoff series between the Indianapolis Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder. The focus is on the potential game-deciding factors, including the availability of Pacers' star Tyrese Haliburton, whose participation remains a game-time decision due to calf soreness.

Notable Quote:
Ty Schmidt [07:05]:
"Maybe Bill can figure it out, but I mean the boys, the squad is stacked and everything that you've seen after just shows you who they are as family."

6. NFL Contract Negotiations: Trey Hendrickson and AJ Watt

The conversation turns to NFL contract negotiations, particularly focusing on Trey Hendrickson of the Cincinnati Bengals and AJ Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Adam Schefter provides insights into the ongoing discussions, highlighting disagreements over contract value and length, which have led to Hendrickson's frustration.

Notable Quote:
Adam Schefter [44:40]:
"There is a disagreement over value. And I think most important, there’s also a disagreement on length here. Length of deal."

7. College World Series and Lacrosse Highlights

The hosts briefly touch upon the College World Series, emphasizing the upcoming championship games featuring Louisville and Coastal Carolina. Additionally, there’s a segment on lacrosse, praising the growing popularity and competitiveness of the sport in the Midwest.

Notable Quote:
Conner Marshy [56:13]:
"If Coastal Carolina wins this game, they are going to move on to the championship series."

8. Special Segment with Adam Schefter: Golf Coverage

Adam Schefter joins the show to discuss his new role as a golf reporter for the Travelers Championship in Connecticut. He shares his excitement about covering top golfers like Rory McIlroy and Keegan Bradley, reflecting on his previous experiences and future aspirations within the golf broadcasting arena.

Notable Quote:
Adam Schefter [38:10]:
"And so try some different things. And that’s all this is when I did the NBA sidelines, that was unbelievable."

9. WNBA Insights: Caitlin Clark’s Dominance and Team Dynamics

The episode delves into the WNBA, focusing on standout player Caitlin Clark. The hosts discuss her aggressive play style and interactions on the court, highlighting her role in pushing the team towards championship success. Additionally, Sophie Cunningham's defensive prowess is noted as a key asset for the Fever.

Notable Quote:
Pat McAfee [34:05]:
"Caitlin Clark is going to get treated in a certain way in this league for a long time. She's not a rookie anymore, okay. She's already proved herself."

10. Community Engagement and Charitable Initiatives

Bill Zito highlights the Panthers' charitable efforts, particularly the "Panthers on the Prowl" initiative supporting the American Cancer Society. He emphasizes the team's commitment to community involvement alongside their on-ice success.

Notable Quote:
Bill Zito [90:44]:
"We're trying to combine the hockey and the Panthers with the charitable element to try to raise money to fight cancer and then to get people something tangible that they can personalize and make it their own and then display them."

11. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Events

As the show wraps up, the hosts reflect on the day's discussions, congratulate all the involved parties, and tease upcoming sports events, including the NBA Finals and the College World Series. They also mention giving away signed Topps cards to listeners as a special promotion.

Notable Quote:
Pat McAfee [144:34]:
"Tomorrow night, obviously, the Pacers take on Oklahoma City Thunder. And all eyes are on that to see if, you know, the NHL ended last night."

Conclusion:
This episode of The Pat McAfee Show offers a comprehensive look into the Florida Panthers' historic back-to-back Stanley Cup victories, insights into team culture and future challenges, in-depth discussions on NBA and NFL playoffs, and highlights from other sports like golf and the WNBA. With interviews from key figures like Bill Zito and Adam Schefter, listeners gain a multifaceted perspective on current sports dynamics and upcoming events.