The Florida Panthers continue their impressive run, reaching the Stanley Cup Final for the third consecutive year. They secured their spot by defeating the Carolina Hurricanes 5-3 in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final on Wednesday night.
Playing in front of their home fans, the Hurricanes put up a determined fight. The game was tied 3-3 late in the third period until Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov made a pivotal play, maneuvering past defenders to set up Carter Verhaeghe for the game-winning goal.
Earlier in the game, Carolina captain Sebastian Aho had a strong start, scoring twice to give his team a 2-0 lead after the first intermission. However, the Panthers quickly turned the tide in the second period, scoring three unanswered goals in just over four minutes to erase the deficit.
Florida`s key players, including Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Bennett, and Sam Reinhart, all delivered multi-point performances, showcasing their experience and ability to perform in crucial postseason games.
With the Panthers advancing, the 2024 Stanley Cup Final could potentially see a rematch. The Edmonton Oilers have an opportunity to join Florida if they win Game 5 against the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference Final on Thursday night.
Western Conference Final
(2) Dallas Stars vs. (3) Edmonton Oilers
- Game 1: Stars 6, Oilers 3
- Game 2: Oilers 3, Stars 0
- Game 3: Oilers 6, Stars 1
- Game 4: Oilers 4, Stars 1
- Game 5: Thursday, May 29 | 8 p.m. | at DAL | ESPN/ESPN+
- *Game 6: Saturday, May 31 | 8 p.m. | at EDM | ABC/ESPN+
- *Game 7: Monday, June 2 | 8 p.m. | at DAL | ESPN/ESPN+
Eastern Conference Final
(2) Carolina Hurricanes vs. (3) Florida Panthers
- Game 1: Panthers 5, Hurricanes 2
- Game 2: Panthers 5, Hurricanes 0
- Game 3: Panthers 6, Hurricanes 2
- Game 4: Hurricanes 3, Panthers 0
- Game 5: Panthers 5, Hurricanes 3
