The Florida Panthers have clinched a spot in the NHL Stanley Cup Final for the third consecutive year, continuing a golden era for the franchise. On May 28, 2025, the Panthers overcame the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final, posting a 5–3 victory at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. With the win, Florida secured the series 4–1 and reaffirmed its status as a powerhouse in modern hockey.
A Comeback Victory to Seal the Series
The decisive Game 5 didn’t start favorably for the reigning champions. Carolina stormed to a 2–0 lead in the first period with both goals coming from forward Sebastian Aho, who capitalized on defensive lapses and aggressive forechecking. The Panthers, however, displayed the resilience that has defined their recent postseason success.
Matthew Tkachuk ignited the Panthers’ comeback early in the second period with a deft wrist shot past Hurricanes goalie Pyotr Kochetkov. Minutes later, Evan Rodrigues leveled the score, and before the period ended, Anton Lundell added a third, giving Florida its first lead of the night.
Carter Verhaeghe extended the Panthers’ lead in the third period with a brilliant finish off a feed from team captain Aleksander Barkov. Although Carolina fought back with a late goal from Jesperi Kotkaniemi, it was too little, too late. Sam Bennett sealed the win with an empty-net goal in the final minute.
Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky made 20 crucial saves, many of them in high-pressure moments, and was praised postgame for his composure and leadership.
Reinforcements Return at the Right Moment
Florida’s depth was further reinforced with the return of key players Sam Reinhart, Niko Mikkola, and A.J. Greer, all of whom had missed Game 4 due to minor injuries. Their presence was immediately felt, particularly in defensive stability and special teams play. Reinhart assisted on Verhaeghe’s goal, while Mikkola logged nearly 20 minutes of ice time, helping to shut down Carolina’s top line.
Coach Paul Maurice lauded his team’s performance: “That’s a championship-caliber group in that locker room. They faced adversity early but didn’t blink. Everyone contributed, and that’s been our strength all season.”
Awaiting a Western Conference Challenger
With the Eastern Conference crown secured, the Panthers now await the winner of the Western Conference Final. As of May 29, the Edmonton Oilers hold a 3–1 series lead over the Dallas Stars. Should Edmonton advance, it would set the stage for a compelling rematch of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, where Florida emerged victorious in seven grueling games to capture their first-ever Stanley Cup.
Florida’s core group—Barkov, Bobrovsky, Tkachuk, and Reinhart—remains intact from that historic run, and the prospect of defending their title against the same opponent adds further intrigue to this year’s Final.
Panthers’ Historic Run
The 2025 Stanley Cup Final marks Florida’s fourth appearance in franchise history and their third in a row. After falling short in the 2023 Final against the Vegas Golden Knights, the Panthers roared back in 2024 to defeat Edmonton and claim the Cup. Their sustained excellence has been one of the most remarkable narratives in recent NHL history.
Aleksander Barkov, the franchise’s longtime captain, has been instrumental in this resurgence. Drafted in 2013, Barkov endured several losing seasons before emerging as one of the league’s premier two-way forwards and a pillar of Florida’s leadership.
Bobrovsky, a two-time Vezina Trophy winner, has also been rejuvenated during Florida’s playoff streak, offering elite goaltending when it matters most. His performance in the current postseason, with a save percentage hovering near .930, has once again silenced critics.
Off-Ice Impact and Fan Support
The Panthers’ success has galvanized hockey fans across South Florida. The team’s home arena, Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, has sold out every playoff game this season. Watch parties across Miami-Dade and Broward counties have drawn thousands of fans, reflecting a growing hockey culture in a region once overlooked in NHL circles.
Florida Panthers President Matthew Caldwell noted, “This isn’t just a run for the Stanley Cup. It’s a celebration of what hockey has become in South Florida. The energy around this team is electrifying.”
Merchandise sales have surged, and local businesses have reported significant upticks in revenue during home game days. The team’s success is also expected to boost youth hockey enrollment across the state.
Looking Ahead
The Panthers will now have a few days to rest, review game footage, and prepare for their Western Conference opponent. Given their current momentum and depth, Florida enters the Stanley Cup Final as a favorite, regardless of who emerges from the West.
For now, fans can revel in the Panthers’ historic achievement. With a chance to become the first back-to-back Stanley Cup champions since the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020–2021, the Florida Panthers are not just chasing another title—they are building a legacy.