The Florida Panthers are returning to the Stanley Cup Final for the third year in a row, securing their spot with a hard-fought 5-3 win over the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final.
Playing at home, the Hurricanes got off to a fast start. Sebastian Aho scored twice in the first period, giving Carolina an early 2-0 lead heading into the first intermission.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the second period. Matthew Tkachuk sparked Florida`s comeback just over seven minutes in, scoring a power-play goal to get the Panthers on the scoreboard.
Tkachuk`s goal ignited a rapid offensive burst for Florida, who scored three goals in less than five minutes. Anton Lundell put the Panthers in front, converting a pass from the net front.
Carolina managed to briefly tie the game in the third period. A strong forecheck led to Seth Jarvis scoring a beautiful goal over the shoulder of Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, making it 3-3.
While Jarvis`s goal energized the home crowd, the tie was short-lived. Less than four minutes later, Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov delivered the game-winning play. He battled past Carolina defenders before finding Carter Verhaeghe with a perfect pass at the back door.
Barkov further contributed by assisting on Sam Bennett`s empty-net goal. Barkov, Bennett, Sam Reinhart, and Matthew Tkachuk all recorded multi-point games for Florida.
This achievement makes the Panthers just the fourth team since 1980 to reach the Stanley Cup Final in three consecutive seasons, joining an elite group that includes the New York Islanders, Edmonton Oilers, and Tampa Bay Lightning.
Keeping with their tradition from last year`s championship run, the Panthers did not touch the Prince of Wales Trophy after the presentation, signaling their focus on the ultimate prize. They now await the winner of the Western Conference Final between the Edmonton Oilers and the Dallas Stars, with the Oilers holding a 3-1 lead and potentially clinching their series soon.
For the Carolina Hurricanes, this elimination marks their second loss in the Eastern Conference Final in the past three years. They now hold a challenging record of 1-16 in their last four appearances at this stage of the playoffs.
