Defending champion Panthers head back to Cup final with 5-3 win over Hurricanes
Article content
RALEIGH, N.C. — Carter Verhaeghe broke a tie off a feed from Aleksander Barkov with 7:39 left and the defending champion Florida Panthers advanced to their third straight Stanley Cup Final, beating the Carolina Hurricanes 5-3 on Wednesday night in Game 5.
Article content
Florida beat the Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference final for the second time in three seasons. The Panthers will face the winner of the Western final between Dallas and Edmonton, with the Oilers up 3-1 in that best-of-seven series to put them within a win of a rematch with Florida for the Cup.
Article content
Sam Bennett added an empty-net goal with 54 seconds left by skating down a loose puck straight out of the penalty box after Florida had held up against a critical late power play for the Hurricanes.
That capped a wild night that saw the Hurricanes jump to a 2-0 lead, and Florida answer with three second-period goals, only to see Carolina's Seth Jarvis beat Sergei Bobrovsky midway through the third to tie it at 3.
When it was over, the Panthers posed for pictures on Carolina's home ice during the presentation of the Prince of Wales Trophy for the conference winner. Some Hurricanes fans remained defiant, offering scattered 'Let's go, Oilers!' chants.
The angst is appropriate considering how Florida has now twice ended Carolina's push to its first Cup Final since winning the franchise's lone title in 2006 when now-coach Rod Brind'Amour was captain.
Article content
Florida had won the first three games of this series but lost 3-0 at home Monday night as the Hurricanes averted a second straight sweep against Florida. But by the final horn Wednesday, the Panthers had won all three games in Raleigh in the series, pushed their road winning streak in these playoffs to five games and earned an eighth postseason road win overall.
Matthew Tkachuk, Evan Rodrigues and Anton Lundell scored on consecutive shots during Florida's second-period flurry, while Bobrovsky finished with 20 saves.
Barkov's assist on Verhaeghe's winner also stood out as its own terrific individual effort. Florida's captain was jostling with Carolina's Dmitry Orlov in a battle near the boards on the left side when he turned toward the crease, stepped inside of Eric Robinson and sent the puck over to Verhaeghe for the finish that silenced a Hurricanes home crowd in full-throated roar after Jarvis' tying score.
Sebastian Aho scored twice in the first period for Carolina, both on neutral-zone giveaways — the first being one from Gustav Forsling that hit Aho in stride for a a breakaway chance that ended up in the net. Aho added another off a giveaway from Niko Mikkola with little more than a minute left in the first for a 2-0 lead.
Carolina has won at least one postseason series in its current run of seven straight playoff appearances, though three have now ended in the Eastern final.
Latest National Stories
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Toronto Sun
an hour ago
- Toronto Sun
Free-agency 'fun' for Maple Leafs in swing with July 1 still over a week away
Get the latest from Terry Koshan straight to your inbox Florida Panthers' Sam Bennett celebrates with the Stanley Cup after defeating the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 17, 2025 in Sunrise, Fla. Photo by Mike Carlson / GETTY IMAGES Well, isn't that bleepin' great. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account With the Mitch Marner door expected to slam shut on the Maple Leafs once National Hockey League free agency begins on July 1, a few other doors are being closed. And that's still with more than a week to go before we get to the annual NHL festivities on Canada Day. For those who figured, or were hoping to any degree, that perhaps Leafs general manager Brad Treliving might entice Sam Bennett or Jonathan Toews to sign in Toronto once the market opened, you're going to have to look elsewhere for your free-agent fix. Hours after Bennett indicated that he's going to re-sign with the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers, the Winnipeg Jets on Friday said announced that Toews will be signing with them on July 1, when he is eligible to do so. Toews hasn't played in an NHL game since April 13, 2023, for the Chicago Blackhawks, before stepping away for health reasons. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The Leafs had some initial interest earlier this year when Toews' desire to return to the NHL went public. His hometown Jets were always thought to be heavily in the mix, however, and now the 37-year-old Toews will get a chance to wear Winnipeg's colours on a one-year contract. Bennett caught the hockey world's attention late on Thursday night — or early Friday morning — when he said, while on a nightclub stage during a Cup celebration party in Miami, that he 'ain't f–ing leaving,' indicating to a frenzied crowd that he's going to re-sign with the Panthers. Via text on Friday morning, Bennett's agent, Darren Ferris, told us a new contract with the Panthers was not done. 'It was an incredible and emotional night for the Panthers and well-deserved,' Ferris said. 'The celebrations have been amazing to see, and Sam's just taking it all in with his teammates right now. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'At this time, no contract has been signed — when there's something official, we'll share it accordingly.' Panthers general manager Bill Zito said on Tuesday night after Florida beat the Edmonton Oilers to repeat as Cup champions that he thinks he can bring back all three of the club's bold-face potential free agents — Bennett, Brad Marchand and Aaron Ekblad. At the very least, expect Bennett talks between Ferris and Zito to pick up. As of now, it would be rather surprising if Bennett signed anywhere but Florida. After winning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoffs MVP, Bennett is line for a major bump in pay. The centre, who celebrated his 29th birthday on Friday, is coming off a four-year contract that carried an average annual value of $4.425 million US. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Another substantial name came off the free-agent board on Thursday when Matt Duchene, who had 82 points in 82 games last season with the Dallas Stars, signed a four-year pact to remain in Dallas. Whether the Leafs would have any chance to sign Bennett, Toews or Duchene is just part of the point, With three fewer forwards available in free agency, the competition for those remaining will only increase. After he had 20 points in 23 playoff games for the Panthers, making a strong run at winning the Conn Smythe himself, Marchand certainly should be firmly in the Leafs' sights. Even at the age of 37, Marchand would be of great assistance to a Leafs team that needs a DNA change, as Treliving himself said. Though Marchand might love to re-sign with the Panthers, Zito probably doesn't have the money to keep all of his free agents. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Marchand has been having fun on Instagram since the Panthers' Cup title, trolling NHL teams that in one way or another had players wind up with the Panthers, and on Friday weighed in on the idea of signing with the Leafs. After Sportnet's Nick Kypreos said on the podcast Leafs Morning Take that he doesn't 'know how Marchand doesn't end up as a Maple Leaf,' Marchand replied on Instagram '(bleep) dawg … the people wanna see it???' Read More More trolling on the part of Marchand? We'll soon find out. What we're intrigued to see as well is whether any of the early free-agent movement involving Duchene, Toews and likely Bennett has any bearing on the future of John Tavares. Tavares' 38 goals last season are the most among free-agent forwards (Marner is second with 27) and there's no guarantee that Tavares and the Leafs will agree on a new contract, as much as both sides want to get something done. As names fall off the board, wouldn't Tavares have some curiosity as to what options there will be on the other side of July 1? You would think there would have to be even a little possibility of that. An easier question to answer: Canada Day can't come soon enough, can it? tkoshan@ X: @koshtorontosun RECOMMENDED VIDEO World Toronto & GTA News Hockey Columnists
Edmonton Journal
an hour ago
- Edmonton Journal
Free-agency 'fun' for Maple Leafs in swing with July 1 still over a week away
Article content Well, isn't that bleepin' great. With the Mitch Marner door expected to slam shut on the Maple Leafs once National Hockey League free agency begins on July 1, a few other doors are being closed. Article content And that's still with more than a week to go before we get to the annual NHL festivities on Canada Day. For those who figured, or were hoping to any degree, that perhaps Leafs general manager Brad Treliving might entice Sam Bennett or Jonathan Toews to sign in Toronto once the market opened, you're going to have to look elsewhere for your free-agent fix. Article content Hours after Bennett indicated that he's going to re-sign with the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers, the Winnipeg Jets on Friday said announced that Toews will be signing with them on July 1, when he is eligible to do so. Toews hasn't played in an NHL game since April 13, 2023, for the Chicago Blackhawks, before stepping away for health reasons. The Leafs had some initial interest earlier this year when Toews' desire to return to the NHL went public. His hometown Jets were always thought to be heavily in the mix, however, and now the 37-year-old Toews will get a chance to wear Winnipeg's colours on a one-year contract. Bennett caught the hockey world's attention late on Thursday night — or early Friday morning — when he said, while on a nightclub stage during a Cup celebration party in Miami, that he 'ain't f–ing leaving,' indicating to a frenzied crowd that he's going to re-sign with the Panthers. Article content Via text on Friday morning, Bennett's agent, Darren Ferris, told us a new contract with the Panthers was not done. 'It was an incredible and emotional night for the Panthers and well-deserved,' Ferris said. 'The celebrations have been amazing to see, and Sam's just taking it all in with his teammates right now. 'At this time, no contract has been signed — when there's something official, we'll share it accordingly.' Panthers general manager Bill Zito said on Tuesday night after Florida beat the Edmonton Oilers to repeat as Cup champions that he thinks he can bring back all three of the club's bold-face potential free agents — Bennett, Brad Marchand and Aaron Ekblad. At the very least, expect Bennett talks between Ferris and Zito to pick up. As of now, it would be rather surprising if Bennett signed anywhere but Florida. After winning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoffs MVP, Bennett is line for a major bump in pay. The centre, who celebrated his 29th birthday on Friday, is coming off a four-year contract that carried an average annual value of $4.425 million US. Article content Another substantial name came off the free-agent board on Thursday when Matt Duchene, who had 82 points in 82 games last season with the Dallas Stars, signed a four-year pact to remain in Dallas. Whether the Leafs would have any chance to sign Bennett, Toews or Duchene is just part of the point, With three fewer forwards available in free agency, the competition for those remaining will only increase. After he had 20 points in 23 playoff games for the Panthers, making a strong run at winning the Conn Smythe himself, Marchand certainly should be firmly in the Leafs' sights. Even at the age of 37, Marchand would be of great assistance to a Leafs team that needs a DNA change, as Treliving himself said. Though Marchand might love to re-sign with the Panthers, Zito probably doesn't have the money to keep all of his free agents. Marchand has been having fun on Instagram since the Panthers' Cup title, trolling NHL teams that in one way or another had players wind up with the Panthers, and on Friday weighed in on the idea of signing with the Leafs. Article content Latest National Stories
The Province
3 hours ago
- The Province
No bigger winner in the business of sport this week than the Florida Panthers
Florida Panthers centre Brad Marchand skates with the Stanley Cup after defeating the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6 of the Cup Final on June 17 in Sunrise, Fla. Photo by Lynne Sladky / AP On this first day of summer and longest day of sunshine of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, there's plenty to be bullish about in the business of sport, beginning with the two words 'Game 7' in the NBA, where the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers will play for all of the marbles on Sunday. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors The NHL fell short at six games in its Stanley Cup Final this spring after watching the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers go the distance 12 months ago in their first of back-to-back showdowns. That was the 18th Cup Final Game 7 over the course of 83 years, with the previous final series maximum having been reached when the St. Louis Blues won their first Cup in franchise history, beating the Boston Bruins in 2019. The Association, on the other hand, is playing an NBA Finals Game 7 for the first time in nine years, when LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers outlasted Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors in 2016. Moreover, the NBA is in one of those scenarios where they'll have a compelling storyline and first-time champion, either way. That won't fully mitigate against the small-market matchup when it comes to TV ratings, but it will at least make the most of the showdown between the 25th biggest TV market in the U.S. (Indianapolis) and the 47th largest (OKC). Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. It was also a bullish week for emerging sport business tycoon Mark Walter, who announced that he will be adding the Los Angeles Lakers of the NBA to his impressive list of sport properties, one that has featured the defending World Series-champion Los Angeles Dodgers since 2012. The deal between Walter, who is building on a personal net worth that was estimated at US$6.1 billion in February, and the longtime Buss family ownership group values the Lakers at US$10 billion, a record franchise transaction in North American pro sport. Walter's reach and influence also extends to Chelsea of the Premier League of English soccer, a stake in Strasbourg of the French Ligue 1, Cadillac Formula One, and single-entity governance and ownership of the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL). This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Yet there was no bigger winner in the business of sport this week than owner Vinnie Viola and his Panthers, who won their second consecutive Cup title in their third straight trip to the championship series. The dominant performance by the Paul Maurice-coached Panthers inspired many to begin referring to them as a dynasty, suggesting that two wins in three finals in the salary cap era at least rivals three or four straight titles in the years before payroll restrictions and the resulting competitive parity were introduced in to the NHL more than 20 years ago. It's an impressive achievement, not only for the Panthers, but also for the sunbelt hockey strategy deployed as part of NHL commissioner Gary Bettman's more than 30-year tenure. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. It marks the sixth straight year in which the Cup has gone through the state of Florida, with two wins and three trips through Tampa Bay 2020-22 and the same through Sunrise, Fla., 2023-25. It's a remarkable evolution as well for a team that has spent much of its history with among the lowest attendance in the NHL. The Panthers have nowhere near the profile of a Canadian-based market, but give credit where credit is due: They're run by a highly respected hockey operations department that does much more than simply benefit from zero state income tax provisions in Florida. Bears of the week The FIFA 2026 World Cup — now less than a year away — will be a huge success played before sellouts throughout its three host countries of the U.S., Mexico and Canada. That doesn't change the fact that the Cup hasn't made quite the same dent, at least so far, on attendance and fan engagement in the American stadiums that are hosting it. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Fast-forward eight to 12 years and the global club championship will be better understood. Consider these growing pains for an event that just a few years ago was played under more of a 'final four' format, not a 32-team competition spanning all six continents. Tom Mayenknecht is the host of The Sport Market on Sportsnet 650 on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Vancouver-based sport business commentator and principal in Emblematica Brand Builders provides a behind-the-scenes look at the sport business stories that matter most to fans. Follow Mayenknecht at: Read More
