Panthers finish off Canes, return to Cup Final

Published: Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 4:18 am

Panthers Stampede to Stanley Cup Final, Ending Hurricanes' Hopes

The Florida Panthers are heading back to the Stanley Cup Final for the third consecutive year, defeating the Carolina Hurricanes 5-3 in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final. The Panthers, the defending champions, secured their victory on Wednesday night in Raleigh, North Carolina, marking their second Eastern Conference Final win over the Hurricanes in three seasons.

The game was a rollercoaster of emotions. The Hurricanes roared to a 2-0 lead in the first period, fueled by two goals from Sebastian Aho. However, the Panthers responded with a dominant second period, scoring three goals to take the lead. Carolina fought back, tying the game in the third, but Carter Verhaeghe's late goal, assisted by Aleksander Barkov, proved to be the game-winner. Sam Bennett sealed the deal with an empty-net goal.

This victory highlights the Panthers' resilience, especially after a Game 4 loss at home. They showcased their dominance on the road, winning all three games in Raleigh and extending their road winning streak to five games. The Panthers will now await the winner of the Western Conference Final between the Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers, with the Oilers currently leading.

The Hurricanes, despite a valiant effort, saw their season end in the Eastern Conference Final for the third time in their recent playoff run. Their fans, though disappointed, showed their support by chanting "Let's go, Oilers!" hoping for a rematch with the Panthers.

BNN's Perspective: The Panthers' consistent performance and ability to adapt, especially on the road, are impressive. While the Hurricanes showed flashes of brilliance, the Panthers' experience and depth ultimately proved to be the difference. The upcoming Stanley Cup Final promises to be a thrilling series, regardless of the opponent.

Keywords: Florida Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, Stanley Cup Final, Eastern Conference Final, Carter Verhaeghe, Aleksander Barkov, Sebastian Aho, NHL playoffs, hockey, Game 5, defending champions, road win, Edmonton Oilers, Dallas Stars.

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