Just as the Carolina Hurricanes seemed poised to force a Game 6 after netting two goals in the first period, the Florida Panthers responded emphatically with three goals in the second. And when Seth Jarvis scored in the third, suggesting the Hurricanes might force overtime, the reigning Stanley Cup champions closed the door. Captain Aleksander Barkov demonstrated his strength by holding off Dmitry Orlov, setting up Carter Verhaeghe for the series-winning goal in their 5-3 victory on Wednesday in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final.
Returning to the Stanley Cup Final marks a significant achievement for the Panthers. This appearance represents the 11th time in the last 12 years that a team from the Sun Belt region has competed in the Final, a trend that began with the Los Angeles Kings in 2014 and was only interrupted in 2019 when the Boston Bruins played the St. Louis Blues.
Furthermore, a Florida-based team (including the Tampa Bay Lightning) has claimed the Eastern Conference title for six consecutive seasons, matching the current six-year streak of Sun Belt teams reaching the Cup Final. The Panthers are also the third professional sports team from South Florida to reach their sport`s championship round for three consecutive years, joining the Miami Dolphins (1971-1973) and the Miami Heat (2010-2014).
Although they avoided being swept, the Hurricanes were eliminated in the conference final for the second time in the past three seasons. They now face an offseason filled with crucial questions regarding their roster composition and the necessary steps to advance beyond the penultimate round of the playoffs.
Game 5 Analysis: Grades and Takeaways
Florida Panthers Grade: B+
Florida was in a favorable position entering Wednesday`s game, welcoming back injured players like Sam Reinhart, Niko Mikkola, and A.J. Greer, who were expected to provide a boost. However, the team appeared sluggish initially. A turnover by Gustav Forsling led to Sebastian Aho`s breakaway goal, giving Carolina a 1-0 lead. The Panthers also failed to capitalize on early power plays, which was particularly concerning after Aho`s second goal extended Carolina`s lead to 2-0 by the end of the first period.
But then the Panthers showcased their ability to strike quickly. Matthew Tkachuk`s power-play goal cut the deficit in half, and Evan Rodrigues tied the game just 30 seconds later. Anton Lundell then gave Florida the lead a little over four minutes later, highlighting the Panthers` depth – Rodrigues was their 19th different goal scorer in the postseason.
Despite a shaky first period from Sergei Bobrovsky, he rebounded strongly in the final 40 minutes. Florida`s penalty kill was also effective, stifling the Hurricanes` power play (0-for-4). The Panthers tightened their play, maintaining control through the third period to deny Carolina the chance for a Game 6. While not perfect – allowing Jarvis` tying goal midway through the third was a lapse – Verhaeghe`s winner, set up by Barkov`s brilliant play, was sufficient to extinguish the Hurricanes` hopes. Sam Bennett`s empty-net goal sealed Florida`s third consecutive Eastern Conference title.
Carolina Hurricanes Grade: B-
The Hurricanes` performance in the first period of Game 5 mirrored their approach in their season-saving Game 4 victory. They executed their game plan effectively, capitalizing on Florida`s mistakes, such as the turnover leading to Sebastian Aho`s two goals and a 2-0 lead. There was also a noticeable increase in fight, seen during a scrum late in the period, which hadn`t always been present earlier in the series.
A two-goal lead after the first period was a positive sign for a team that was previously 6-0 in the postseason when scoring first. Carolina`s strong defensive identity carried over from their Game 4 performance, suggesting, at least for the intermission, that a Game 6 was within reach. However, the quick back-to-back goals from Tkachuk and Rodrigues in the second period, followed by Lundell`s goal just over four minutes later, put Carolina behind.
These goals, combined with the Panthers limiting the Hurricanes to only two shots in the first 10 minutes of the third period, initially made the series seem over. That changed when Seth Jarvis scored the tying goal, reigniting the Hurricanes` pushback. But then Barkov`s elite skill was on display as he held off Orlov and created space for Verhaeghe`s winning goal, ultimately ending the Hurricanes` season.
Big Questions
Can the Panthers use rest to their advantage?
Florida has not had consecutive days off frequently since early in their second-round series against Toronto. The team is also dealing with injuries to some extent; the players who returned are clearly not 100%, and Eetu Luostarinen left Wednesday`s game after a cross-check. Many players who have been in the lineup consistently are likely in need of rest.
The Panthers now have an opportunity to recover and recharge after a demanding stretch of games, which could be invaluable heading into the Cup Final. While their next opponent might be determined as early as Thursday, it could also be several more days before the Western Conference Final concludes.
Regardless, Florida will have a rest advantage, and capitalizing on this could be a game-changer. The Panthers remember the physical toll of long travel distances during the Final (like from Fort Lauderdale to Edmonton?). It`s crucial to leverage every advantage available, even if it means unofficially cheering for the Dallas Stars for a while and hoping the two potential Western opponents wear each other down in a longer series.
How aggressive will the Hurricanes be this summer, knowing next year might be their best chance?
With over $28 million in cap space, according to PuckPedia, the Hurricanes have the potential to be major players in free agency. This level of financial flexibility is highly coveted by championship contenders because it becomes difficult to maintain once several core players sign long-term contracts.
That`s a challenge the Hurricanes largely avoid for now. They currently have seven players signed to deals longer than three seasons, a group that includes core pieces like Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Jaccob Slavin, Andrei Svechnikov, Sebastian Aho, and Seth Jarvis. However, future considerations include Jackson Blake, Scott Morrow, Alexander Nikishin, and Logan Stankoven, who will all be pending restricted free agents after the 2025-26 season and will require new deals.
While there`s a clear imperative for the Hurricanes to try and win now, this is also a franchise that has historically relied heavily on building its roster through the draft. The team`s front office must balance their successful draft-and-develop approach, which has made them a contender, with the need to take the next step towards a championship. The decisions made this offseason will be critical in defining that balance.
