It’s been a “stressful” but exciting Stanley Cup playoff journey for the significant others of the Florida Panthers.
With Florida one win away from clinching its first Stanley Cup in franchise history, the wives and girlfriends of Panthers players are now bracing for a thrilling conclusion to the series, according to celebrity makeup artist Allison Kaye, who curated glamorous looks for several Panthers WAGs ahead of Tuesday’s 5-3 loss to the Edmonton Oilers in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final.
“After a long and stressful trip to Edmonton for Game 4 [a dominant 8-1 Oilers victory], the girls were very ready for (Tuesday). Many of them nervous solely because they just want to know the outcome of the game. But everyone was very excited,” Kaye exclusively told The Post.
Celebrity makeup artist Allison Kaye created glamorous looks for the significant others of Panthers players before Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final, including Ellie Connell, who is engaged to Florida’s Matthew Tkachuk. Courtesy of Allison Kaye
Connell sported a custom Tkachuk jacket. Courtesy of Allison Kaye
Matthew Tkachuk (19) fights for the puck against the Oilers in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final on June 18, 2024. Getty Images
Kaye worked with Ellie Connell, the fiancée of Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk; Christina Rodrigues, the wife of forward Evan Rodrigues; and Erin Markle, the fiancée of center Steve Lorentz, among others.
She “went for natural” makeup styles for the women.
“Hockey doesn’t necessarily call for an intense glam, so I wanted to stick with the girls feeling like themselves,” Kaye said.
Using products from LA Girl Cosmetics, including the Shimmer Spray that boasts a “pearlescent shimmer for the ultimate illuminating glow,” Kaye accomplished her mission while ensuring “the glam would look amazing in photos.”
Allison Kaye also worked with Christina Rodrigues, the wife of forward Evan Rodrigues. Courtesy of Allison Kaye
Erin Markle, who is engaged to Steve Lorentz, also worked with Allison Kaye. Courtesy of Allison KayeFlorida has dominated throughout the playoffs, defeating the Lightning, Bruins and Rangers en route to a second straight Stanely Cup Final appearance.
The Panthers fell to the Golden Knights in five games last June, with Vegas winning its first Stanley Cup.
Evan Rodrigues (17) celebrates after a goal against the Oilers on June 18, 2024. NHLI via Getty Images
The Panthers defeated the Rangers in the Eastern Conference Finals en route to a Stanley Cup Final appearance. Charles Wenzelberg/New York PostAlthough the Panthers got off to a commanding 3-0 start this series, they have dropped back-to-back games against the Oilers.
With Game 6 set for Friday in Edmonton, Kaye — who styled the partners of Chiefs players before their thrilling Super Bowl 2024 win over the 49ers in February — believes there’s something magical about this year’s squad.
“The team and the wives really are like family with each other, and the girls were gushing over how great the team and each other are,” Kaye said. “As someone who has worked with a lot of sports teams, you can tell this one is really special.”
Should a Game 7 be necessary, it’s set for Monday in Florida.
