Overview

• Florida became only the fourth NHL team since 1980 to reach three consecutive finals by defeating Carolina 5-3 in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference final.
• After falling behind 2-0 in the first period, the Panthers rallied with three second-period goals before Carter Verhaeghe converted Aleksander Barkov’s behind-the-net pass for the go-ahead score.
• Their Game 5 win extended Florida’s postseason road record to 8-3, including sweeps of all three Eastern Conference playoff series away from home.
• Matthew Tkachuk underscored the team’s business-first approach by declining to celebrate the conference title as the Panthers focus on a repeat Stanley Cup.
• Florida will open the Final in Edmonton against last season’s runner-up Oilers, led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, on June 4.