Just when it seemed like the Carolina Hurricanes were close to forcing a Game 6 after scoring twice in the first period, the Florida Panthers responded with three goals in the second. And when Seth Jarvis` third-period goal looked like it would at least force overtime, the reigning Stanley Cup champions sealed the deal: Captain Aleksander Barkov, showing strength, held off Dmitry Orlov to set up Carter Verhaeghe for the winning goal in the fifth game of the Eastern Final, which ended 5-3 in favor of the Panthers.
Returning to the Stanley Cup Final to defend their title is just the beginning for the Panthers. This marks the 11th time in the last 12 years that a team from the so-called “Sun Belt” has reached the main final. This trend began in 2014 with the Los Angeles Kings and was only interrupted in 2019 when the Boston Bruins faced the St. Louis Blues.
Furthermore, a team from Florida (the Tampa Bay Lightning is the other) has won the Eastern Conference six seasons in a row, matching the current six-year streak of Sun Belt teams reaching the Cup Final. The Panthers also become the third professional team from South Florida to reach their sport`s championship game or series for three consecutive years, joining the Miami Dolphins (1971-1973) and the Miami Heat (2010-2014).
Although they avoided being swept, the Hurricanes were eliminated in the conference final for the second time in the past three seasons. They now face an offseason full of questions about their roster and what steps are needed to get past the penultimate round of the playoffs.
Ryan S. Clark and Kristen Shilton review what happened in Game 5 and discuss what lies ahead for each franchise.
Florida Panthers
Grade: B+
Florida was well-positioned for a victory Wednesday. The Panthers had their injured skaters back — Sam Reinhart, Niko Mikkola, and A.J. Greer had all been impact players — and their return should have added a spark. But it didn`t look like the Panthers were benefiting early, as the team appeared slow out of the gate. Gustav Forsling`s turnover sent Sebastian Aho on a breakaway that he converted into a 1-0 lead for Carolina.
Florida also couldn`t capitalize on its power plays, which was concerning, especially after Aho`s second goal of the period gave the Hurricanes a 2-0 lead through 20 minutes.
But then the Panthers did what they do best: pounce. Matthew Tkachuk`s power-play goal cut the deficit in half, and Evan Rodrigues tied the score 30 seconds later. Then Anton Lundell gave Florida the lead. This is just how the Panthers operate — with depth. Rodrigues was the Panthers` 19th different goal scorer in the postseason.
Even though Sergei Bobrovsky looked shakier than usual in the first period, he responded with a strong performance over the final 40 minutes. And Florida`s penalty kill stepped up to stifle the Hurricanes` power play (which went 0-for-4). The Panthers tightened up and maintained control through the third period, denying Carolina a chance to force a Game 6.
Florida wasn`t flawless — giving up a goal to Jarvis midway through the third wasn`t ideal — but Verhaeghe scored the winner (off a brilliant assist from Barkov) to make Florida`s “just-enough” effort sufficient to extinguish the Hurricanes` flame. And Sam Bennett`s empty-netter sealed a third straight Eastern Conference title for the Panthers. — Shilton
Carolina Hurricanes
Grade: B-
Everything the Canes did in the first period of Game 5 was an extension of their play in Game 4. They had a strategy that allowed them to capitalize on mistakes, such as those leading to Aho`s goals for Carolina`s 2-0 lead. There was also a noticeable fight, particularly in how the Hurricanes defended themselves during a scrum about five minutes left, showing a level of intensity not always seen earlier in the series.
A two-goal lead after one period for a team that was 6-0 this postseason when scoring first was a positive sign. The Hurricanes` defensive identity carried over from their season-saving Game 4 performance. It was enough to suggest, at least during the intermission, that a Game 6 was possible. Then came the quick back-to-back goals from Tkachuk and Rodrigues in the second period, followed by Lundell`s goal just over four minutes later, putting Carolina behind.
Those goals — coupled with the fact that the Panthers limited the Hurricanes to only two shots on goal in the first 10 minutes of the final period — initially made it seem like the series was over. That is, until Jarvis scored a tying goal, reigniting some pushback from the Canes. However, that pushback lasted only until Barkov demonstrated why he`s one of the game`s premier players by holding off Orlov and creating space to set up Verhaeghe for the winning goal. — Clark
Big questions
Can the Panthers use rest as a refresher?
Florida hasn`t had consecutive days off at this point since early in their second-round series against the Toronto Maple Leafs. And the Panthers are dealing with some injuries. Their returning injured skaters are clearly not fully healthy; Eetu Luostarinen left Wednesday`s game after a cross-check from William Carrier, and you know many players who have been in the lineup every night are craving some downtime.
The Panthers have an opportunity to rest and reboot after a long stretch of games, and that could be incredibly valuable for their performance in the Cup Final. They could know their next opponent as early as Thursday, but it might also be a few more days before the Western Conference final is decided.
Florida will have a slight edge in the rest department regardless, and capitalizing on it could be a game-changer. The Panthers remember the physical toll of traveling long distances (like from Fort Lauderdale to Edmonton?) in a Final. It`s crucial to take advantage of every advantage. Even if it means temporarily cheering for the Dallas Stars — and hoping the two potential foes can wear each other out for another few games. — Shilton
How aggressive will the Canes be this summer, knowing next year might be their strongest chance?
Having over $28 million in cap space, according to PuckPedia, suggests the Hurricanes could be a significant player in free agency. This level of flexibility is highly sought after by championship contenders because it becomes difficult to achieve once several core members are signed to long-term contracts.
That`s a challenge the Hurricanes don`t face yet.
They currently have seven players signed to deals longer than three seasons. This group includes core members like Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Jaccob Slavin, Andrei Svechnikov, Aho, and Jarvis. However, considerations must be made since Jackson Blake, Scott Morrow, Alexander Nikishin, and Logan Stankoven will all become pending restricted free agents after the 2025-26 season and will then require new deals.
While there is a clear need for the Hurricanes to push for a win now, this is also a franchise that has emphasized building a large part of its roster through the draft. Now, the Canes must balance their successful approach of being a championship contender with taking the next step, and this balance will determine how their front office handles the offseason. — Clark
