Panthers show composure, progress to Stanley Cup Final

The Florida Panthers are heading to their third straight Stanley Cup Final, but you wouldn’t think it by looking at their reaction.

After beating the Carolina Hurricanes 5–3 in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final, the team kept things low-key. A few high fives, some quiet smiles, and that was it. For a team chasing back-to-back championships, the real celebration can wait.

Two years ago, reaching the final felt like a miracle. That time, they won with a goal in the final seconds, and Matthew Tkachuk slid across the ice in pure joy. But that was then. This time, it’s all business.

“The first time, just getting there felt massive,” said coach Paul Maurice. “Now we know we’re only three-quarters of the way. The goal is to win the Cup.”

It wasn’t an easy night. The Panthers went down 2–0 early, after defensive errors led to two Hurricanes goals. But there was no panic.

“We were calm,” said Brad Marchand. “That’s who we are.”

Even after losing Eetu Luostarinen to injury, the Panthers found their rhythm. Tkachuk scored on the power play to break a long drought. Less than a minute later, Evan Rodrigues added another, and then Anton Lundell made it three goals in just over four minutes.

Although the Hurricanes managed to tie it again in the third, Carter Verhaeghe put the game away with a sharp finish after a brilliant assist from captain Aleksander Barkov.

No wild celebrations followed. They wore their conference champions caps, avoided touching the trophy, and walked off the ice like professionals who know the job is far from done.

Rodrigues summed it up: “Winning the East is an achievement, but we’ve had one goal since day one. That’s to win the Stanley Cup. We’re not done yet.”

There was a small celebration in the dressing room, but even that was short-lived.

“A little party, for two minutes,” Barkov said with a smile.

Florida now waits for the winner of the Western Conference Final. Either the Edmonton Oilers or the Dallas Stars will be their final challenge. The Oilers currently lead the series 3–1.

The Panthers are focused and experienced. They have learned that trophies are not handed out for conference wins. Only the Stanley Cup matters now.

As Marchand put it, “We’re happy to be here, but if you don’t win the Final, you didn’t win anything.”