Game-Changing Comeback in Raleigh

The Florida Panthers staged a dramatic second-period resurgence to overcome a 2-0 deficit against the Carolina Hurricanes, securing a 5-3 Game 5 victory in Wednesday's Eastern Conference Final clash. This historic win marks Florida's third straight Stanley Cup Final appearance - a first in franchise history.

Turning Points and Standout Performances

Early Hurricane Dominance

Carolina's Seth Jarvis and Sebastian Aho capitalized on defensive miscues to establish a 2-0 first-period lead, putting Florida's championship aspirations in jeopardy.

Panthers' Second-Period Surge

The momentum shifted dramatically in the middle frame as Sam Bennett and Matthew Tkachuk ignited Florida's offense. Carter Verhaeghe's power-play marker at 12:21 of the second period sparked a three-goal outburst that changed the game's trajectory.

Key Player Contributions

Sam Reinhart's return from injury proved pivotal, with the forward drawing crucial penalties and revitalizing Florida's power play. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky stood tall with 27 saves, including multiple game-preserving stops in the final minutes.

Historical Context and Implications

This victory extends Florida's remarkable road playoff record to 8-2 while maintaining their perfect 3-0 streak at Raleigh's Lenovo Center. The Panthers join elite company as only the sixth NHL franchise to reach three consecutive Stanley Cup Finals since 1967.

For Carolina, the loss extends their frustrating 15-game Conference Final losing streak dating back to their 2006 championship season. Hurricanes netminder Andersson's inconsistent performance (5 goals on 31 shots) contrasted sharply with his Game 4 shutout effort.

Stanley Cup Final Outlook

Florida now awaits the winner of the Western Conference Final between Edmonton and Dallas, with the Oilers holding a 3-1 series advantage. The championship series begins June 3, 2025, with broadcast coverage on TNT/TruTV and streaming via Fubo.

Series-Clinching Game Details

Date: Wednesday, May 28, 2025 | 8:00 PM ET
Location: Lenovo Center, Raleigh, NC
Final Score: Florida 5 - Carolina 3
Series Result: Panthers win 4-1