The Florida Panthers defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 5-3 in Game 5 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Final on May 28, 2025, at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, securing their third consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearance. The sports card above provides a detailed box score, but here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the game based on available information. The Panthers led the best-of-7 series 3-1 entering Game 5, following a 3-0 Hurricanes win in Game 4. This victory clinched the series 4-1 for Florida, advancing them to face the Edmonton Oilers once again in the Stanley Cup Final.
Panthers Fatigue Start in the 1st Period
At the First Period, At 4:39, Aho capitalized on a turnover by Panthers defenseman Gustav Forsling, scoring on a breakaway over Sergei Bobrovsky’s left pad. Then, it went to 18:54, Aho scored again, tipping a puck from Seth Jarvis past Bobrovsky’s blocker after a neutral zone turnover by Niko Mikkola. The Hurricanes outshot Florida and controlled much of the early play, leveraging their home crowd energy with the lead 2-0.
The Panthers Turnaround in the 2nd Period
At the 7:23 in the 2nd Period, Matthew Tkachuk scored to cut Carolina’s lead to 2-1, assisted by Sam Reinhart and likely Aleksander Barkov (as you noted, the second assist is probable but not confirmed in the box score). This goal likely came from Florida’s top line cycling the puck in the offensive zone, with Reinhart’s playmaking and Barkov’s vision creating a high-danger chance. Tkachuk, known for his net-front presence, probably finished a close-range shot or deflection past Frederik Andersen. This goal energized Florida, breaking Carolina’s early dominance and signaling the Panthers’ intent to take control. 30 seconds later, Evan Rodrigues tied the game at 2-2 just 30 seconds later, likely assisted by depth players (e.g., Eetu Luostarinen or Anton Lundell). This quick-strike goal suggests Florida capitalized on a Carolina turnover or defensive miscue, possibly in transition. Rodrigues, a versatile middle-six forward, likely used his speed to create a breakaway or odd-man rush, beating Andersen with a precise shot. Tying the game so quickly disrupted Carolina’s confidence, putting pressure on their goaltending and defense. During the moment of 11:59, Anton Lundell gave Florida a 3-2 lead, showcasing their depth scoring. This goal, coming four minutes after Rodrigues’, likely resulted from Florida’s relentless forecheck or a sustained offensive-zone shift. Lundell, a two-way center, probably scored on a rebound or a well-placed shot, exploiting Carolina’s scrambling defense. Taking the lead completed Florida’s second-period turnaround, forcing Carolina to chase the game and exposing vulnerabilities in Andersen’s performance. The Panthers’ fans were excited to see the moment of Florida taking the lead. Another Panthers goal followed shortly after, giving them a 3-2 lead. The rapid scoring shift was noted as a dramatic momentum change. Carolina struggled to respond, with Florida’s aggressive forechecking and puck pressure disrupting their defensive structure. Florida mounted a stunning comeback, scoring three goals in a 4.5-minute span, including two in 30 seconds, to take a 3-2 lead. lorida’s Surge: The Panthers’ three goals in 4:36 reflect their ability to dominate possession and create high-danger chances. Their forecheck and cycle game likely overwhelmed Carolina’s defense, leading to breakdowns. The rapid scoring suggests Florida exploited Andersen’s positioning or Carolina’s fatigue after a strong first period.
The Trail for the Win During the Intense Moments of the 3rd Period
The third period was a tense, back-and-forth battle that showcased both teams’ resilience, with Carolina tying the game early and Florida responding with clutch plays to secure their third consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearance. In the begging of the 3rd Period, The Panthers and Hurricanes bother played their tightest performance, until the 8:30 minute. Seth Jarvis tied the game at 3-3, as he scored the goal and assisted by Sebastian Aho, capitalizing on a Panthers’ turnover. This goal likely stemmed from Carolina’s aggressive forecheck, which forced a mistake in Florida’s defensive zone. Aho, with his playmaking prowess (two goals and an assist in the game), set up Jarvis, who finished with a quick shot, possibly a wrist shot or one-timer, past Sergei Bobrovsky. Given Carolina’s 23 total shots, this goal likely came during a flurry of offensive pressure. Under 4 minutes later, Carter Verhaeghe scored the game-winner, assisted by Aleksander Barkov and Sam Reinhart, giving Florida a 4-3 lead. Barkov’s play was pivotal, outmuscling Dmitry Orlov in the left corner, faking a move behind the net, and delivering a backhand pass across to Verhaeghe for a shot past Frederik Andersen’s glove. Sam Bennett scored the empty at 19:06, as Bennett sealed the victory with an empty-net goal, his NHL-leading 10th goal of the postseason, assisted by Matthew Tkachuk, making it 5-3. With Carolina pulling Andersen for an extra attacker (likely around the 18:00 mark, given the empty-net timing), Florida capitalized on a cleared puck. Tkachuk, with his physicality and playmaking (a goal and assist in the game), likely fed Bennett, who scored from distance into the empty net. This goal ensured no late comeback, securing Florida’s series-clinching win and their third straight Stanley Cup Final berth. Florida’s Clutch Response: After Jarvis’s goal tied the game, Florida’s ability to regroup and score the go-ahead goal within four minutes highlighted their championship pedigree. Barkov’s individual effort and Verhaeghe’s finish were emblematic of their top-line production under pressure. The empty-net goal reflected Florida’s defensive discipline, as they limited Carolina’s extra-attacker chances. The third period encapsulated Florida’s ability to weather Carolina’s push and deliver in clutch moments. Verhaeghe’s goal, assisted by Barkov and Reinhart, underscored their top-line chemistry, while Bennett’s empty-netter highlighted their depth.
The Moment when the Panthers won the Eastern Conference Finals
After the Florida Panthers clinched their third consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearance with a 5-3 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final on May 28, 2025, at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, they were awarded the Prince of Wales Trophy. The team, led by captain Aleksander Barkov, adhered to their superstition of not touching the trophy, a practice rooted in their 2023 loss to Vegas after touching it and their 2024 Stanley Cup win after avoiding it. The on-ice celebration was subdued, with players focusing on the bigger goal of the Stanley Cup, as Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk emphasized in post-game comments.
Regarding the rats, the Panthers’ famous “rat trick” tradition—stemming from 1995 when Scott Mellanby killed a rat in the locker room and scored twice—saw fans throwing plastic rats onto the ice to celebrate the victory. Posts on X and reports confirm rats hit the ice in Raleigh after the win, with some players posing for photos near the trophy amidst the plastic rats, though they avoided touching the trophy itself. No specific players were named in connection with these photos, but the moment captured the unique Panthers fan tradition. The team’s focus remained on the Stanley Cup, with the rat-strewn ice adding a playful nod to their 1996 playoff run when thousands of rats were tossed during their Prince of Wales Trophy win. After when Brad Marchand had an interview with the reporter of TNT Sports, Alexander Barkov, Evan Rodrigues and Matthew Tkachuk waited with the rats. While Brad Marchand skated to the guys, the guys then swing it with rats at him instead of using the aggressive puck swing. After that, the guys went into the tunnel to the locker room as the Commentator mentioned that Brad Marchand experienced his 4th Cup Final as he made 3 appearances with the Boston Bruins in 2011, 2013 and 2019.
Player Performances from the Florida Panthers
Carter Verhaeghe 1 goal, 1 assist, including the game-winning goal. His goal was pivotal in regaining the lead.
Sam Bennett 1 goal (empty-netter), 1 assist, leading the NHL with 10 playoff goals
Matthew Tkachuk: 1 goal, 1 assist, including a power-play goal that sparked the comeback.
Aleksander Barkov 1 assist on Verhaeghe’s goal, showcasing elite playmaking
Sergei Bobrovsky Made 20 saves on 23 shots, with an .870 save percentage. Despite allowing three goals, he made critical saves to keep Florida in the game
Florida welcomed back Sam Reinhart, A.J. Greer, and Niko Mikkola from injuries, bolstering their lineup. Eetu Luostarinenleft the game after the first period due to an injury.
– The Panthers’ depth was evident, with 10 players recording at least 10 playoff points.
Team Statistics
– Shots on Goal: Carolina 23, Florida 22
– Power Play: Florida 1/6, Carolina 0/6
– Penalty Minutes: Carolina 10, Florida 6
Game Impact and Analysis
Momentum Shifts: Carolina’s early 2-0 lead suggested they could force a Game 6, but Florida’s rapid three-goal outburst in the second period flipped the game’s momentum. Posts on X highlighted the speed of this turnaround, with the Panthers’ offensive depth overwhelming Carolina’s defense.
Special Teams: Florida’s power-play goal by Tkachuk was crucial, while Carolina’s penalty kill held firm but couldn’t capitalize on their own power-play opportunities. Florida’s 23.1% postseason power-play rate proved dangerous- Goaltending: Bobrovsky outperformed Andersen, who struggled with high-danger chances compared to his earlier playoff form
Series Context: Florida’s dominance (outscoring Carolina 16-4 in Games 1-3) and road prowess (7-2 in the playoffs) were evident, despite Carolina’s Game 4 shutout. The Hurricanes’ 15-game conference final losing streak ended in Game 4, but they couldn’t sustain the momentum.
Post-Game Reactions
Panthers: Coach Paul Maurice praised the team’s resilience after a tough four-minute stretch, while Barkov emphasized the team’s focus on the Stanley Cup, not just the Eastern Conference title
This run of six straight Eastern Conference titles by Florida teams (Tampa Bay 2020-2022, Florida 2023-2025) is unprecedented in recent NHL history, cementing the state’s hockey dominance.
Since 2020, Florida-based teams have dominated the NHL Eastern Conference, with the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning combining for six consecutive Eastern Conference titles. The sports card above notes the Panthers’ success,
Florida’s third straight Stanley Cup Final appearance marks them as an NHL powerhouse, joining elite company like the Tampa Bay Lightning (2020-2022). They’re chasing history as the first team to repeat as champions since Tampa Bay’s 2020-2021 run, with confidence from last year’s Cup win over Edmonton.
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