The Florida Panthers are heading back to the Stanley Cup Final to defend their championship, having clinched the Eastern Conference title with a 5-3 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 5. Despite a strong start from the Hurricanes, who netted two first-period goals, the Panthers showcased their resilience by scoring three unanswered goals in the second period. Carolina managed to tie the game in the third period with a goal from Seth Jarvis, creating late drama. However, the defending champions sealed the win when captain Aleksander Barkov held off a defender to set up Carter Verhaeghe for the series-clinching goal.
This victory marks the Panthers` return to the Final for the second consecutive year. It also continues a significant trend, being the 11th time in the past 12 years a team from the Sun Belt region has reached the Stanley Cup Final. Adding to Florida`s recent hockey dominance, a team from the state (either the Panthers or Tampa Bay Lightning) has won the Eastern Conference for six straight seasons. The Panthers also achieve a rare feat in South Florida sports history, becoming the third professional team from the area to reach their sport`s championship series for three consecutive years, joining the Miami Dolphins (1971-1973) and the Miami Heat (2010-2014).
Although they avoided a sweep with a Game 4 win, the Hurricanes` playoff run ended in the conference finals for the second time in the last three seasons. Carolina now enters the offseason facing crucial questions regarding their roster and the steps needed to advance beyond this penultimate playoff round.
Florida Panthers
Grade: B+
Florida was in a favorable position entering Game 5 with several injured players returning to the lineup, expected to provide a spark. However, the team appeared sluggish early on. A turnover by Gustav Forsling led to Sebastian Aho`s breakaway goal, giving Carolina a 1-0 lead. Florida`s power play also struggled to capitalize, and Aho`s second goal extended Carolina`s lead to 2-0 after the first period.
The Panthers then demonstrated their depth and scoring ability by erupting in the second period. Matthew Tkachuk`s power-play goal cut the deficit in half, and Evan Rodrigues quickly followed just 30 seconds later to tie the game. Anton Lundell then put Florida ahead just over four minutes later. Rodrigues` goal made him the 19th different goal scorer for the Panthers in this postseason, highlighting their offensive depth.
Despite Sergei Bobrovsky looking slightly shaky in the first period, he rebounded with a strong performance over the final 40 minutes. The Panthers` penalty kill was also effective, shutting down Carolina`s power play (0-for-4). Florida tightened up defensively in the third period, denying Carolina sustained pressure. Although allowing Seth Jarvis to tie the game midway through the third was a lapse, Carter Verhaeghe scored the game-winner off a brilliant setup from Barkov. Sam Bennett`s empty-net goal secured the 5-3 win and a third consecutive Eastern Conference championship for the Panthers.
Carolina Hurricanes
Grade: B-
The Hurricanes` performance in the first period of Game 5 mirrored their season-saving effort in Game 4. They executed their game plan effectively, capitalizing on Panthers` mistakes like the one that led to Sebastian Aho`s two goals and a 2-0 Carolina lead. The team also displayed a fighting spirit, particularly during a scrum late in the period, a level of pushback that wasn`t consistently seen throughout the series.
Holding a two-goal lead after the first period was a promising sign, especially since Carolina had been undefeated (6-0) this postseason when scoring first. Their defensive identity, crucial in Game 4, carried over initially, suggesting a potential Game 6. However, the quick back-to-back goals from Matthew Tkachuk and Evan Rodrigues in the second period, followed by Anton Lundell`s goal shortly after, put Carolina behind.
These goals, combined with the Panthers limiting the Hurricanes to only two shots in the first ten minutes of the third period, made the series seem over. Yet, Seth Jarvis scored a tying goal, briefly reigniting hope and pushback from the Canes. That hope was extinguished when Aleksander Barkov showcased his elite skill, holding off Dmitry Orlov to create space and set up Carter Verhaeghe for the game-winning goal, ending Carolina`s playoff run.
Big Questions
Can the Panthers use the rest period effectively?
The Panthers have faced a rigorous schedule with minimal consecutive days off since early in their second-round series. The team is also dealing with injuries; several returning players are likely not at full health, and others have endured the grind of deep playoff runs. Forward Eetu Luostarinen even left Game 5 after taking a cross-check. The upcoming break before the Stanley Cup Final provides a valuable opportunity for the players to rest, recover, and physically and mentally reboot.
Florida could learn their next opponent as early as Thursday, or it might be a few more days before the Western Conference Final is decided. Regardless, the Panthers will have a rest advantage. Capitalizing on this time off is crucial, especially given the potential travel demands if they face the Edmonton Oilers. The Panthers understand the toll long-distance travel takes during the Final and must leverage every advantage they have, including the much-needed rest.
How aggressive will the Hurricanes be this offseason, recognizing next year`s potential?
With over $28 million in projected cap space, the Carolina Hurricanes possess significant financial flexibility heading into the offseason. This level of cap room is a valuable asset for a championship contender, especially as teams often struggle to maintain flexibility once core players sign long-term deals. The Hurricanes have some core players signed, but their structure offers room to maneuver.
Currently, seven Hurricanes players are signed to deals longer than three seasons, including key players like Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Jaccob Slavin, Andrei Svechnikov, Sebastian Aho, and Seth Jarvis. However, the team must also consider that prospects like Jackson Blake, Scott Morrow, Alexander Nikishin, and Logan Stankoven will require new deals after the 2025-26 season as they become restricted free agents.
While there`s a clear imperative for the Hurricanes to contend and win now, the franchise has historically built a significant portion of its roster through the draft. The challenge this offseason is to balance this successful drafting philosophy with the opportunity provided by their cap space. Their front office`s approach to potential free agency and trades will be crucial in determining if they can take the next step and reach the Stanley Cup Final.
Gareth Tenby