Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Top News
Top News

Florida Panthers Advance To Stanley Cup Final Again

Florida Panthers center Anton Lundell (15) shoots as New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba (8) defends during the second period of Game 6 in the Eastern Conference finals of the NHL hockey Stanley

The Florida Panthers secured their spot in the Stanley Cup Final for the second year in a row after defeating the New York Rangers 2-1 in the Eastern Conference final. The Panthers, determined to claim the ultimate prize this time, opted not to touch the Prince of Wales Trophy, signaling their singular focus on the Stanley Cup.

Sergei Bobrovsky's stellar goaltending, combined with goals from Sam Bennett and Vladimir Tarasenko, propelled the Panthers to victory. The team's triumph sets up a showdown in the Stanley Cup Final against either the Edmonton Oilers or the Dallas Stars, with the series scheduled to commence on June 8.

Panthers opt not to touch Prince of Wales Trophy, focusing solely on Stanley Cup.
Florida Panthers secure second consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearance.
Sergei Bobrovsky's goaltending and goals from Bennett and Tarasenko lead Panthers to victory.
Panthers to face either Edmonton Oilers or Dallas Stars in Stanley Cup Final.
Rangers fall short despite initial series lead, ending their playoff run.
Coach Paul Maurice leads Panthers to third Stanley Cup Final appearance.
Florida becomes 15th active NHL franchise to reach consecutive Stanley Cup Finals.
Panthers eliminate Presidents' Trophy winner for second straight year.
Sam Bennett and Vladimir Tarasenko's goals secure Panthers' victory over Rangers.
Florida aims to capture the Stanley Cup with a blend of experience and determination.

Despite a late goal from Artemi Panarin, the Rangers fell short after initially leading the series 2-1. The defeat marked the end of the road for New York, highlighting the unpredictability of playoff hockey.

For Panthers coach Paul Maurice, this will be his third appearance in the Stanley Cup Final, having previously led Carolina and Florida to the championship round. With a humble approach, Maurice credited the players for the team's success, emphasizing their pivotal role in the Panthers' journey.

Florida's victory extends a streak of Eastern Conference dominance by teams from the Sunshine State, following Tampa Bay's recent successes. The Panthers' achievement also cements their status as the 15th active NHL franchise to reach consecutive Stanley Cup Finals.

Notably, Florida eliminated the Presidents' Trophy winner for the second straight year, underscoring their ability to overcome top-seeded teams in the playoffs. The Rangers acknowledged the Panthers' resilience, with captain Jacob Trouba expressing disappointment at falling short in the crucial matchup.

Sam Bennett's goal late in the first period set the tone for the Panthers, with Vladimir Tarasenko adding another in the third period to secure the victory. Despite a late surge from the Rangers, Florida's defense held firm to clinch the series and advance to the Stanley Cup Final.

As the Panthers gear up for their third Stanley Cup Final appearance, the team remains focused on capturing the coveted championship. With a blend of experience and determination, Florida aims to make the most of their opportunity on hockey's grandest stage.

For more NHL playoff updates, visit AP NHL playoffs.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.