The Florida Panthers secured their place in the Stanley Cup Final after a 5-3 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals. Despite the Hurricanes leading early with two first-period goals, the Panthers responded with three goals in the second period. Aleksandar Barkov's assist on Carter Verhaeghe's series-clinching goal further highlighted the Panthers' strength. This victory marks the 11th time in 12 years that a sun belt team has made it to the Stanley Cup Final, signifying a trend in recent NHL championships.
Just when it looked like the Carolina Hurricanes were going to force a Game 6 after scoring a pair of first-period goals, the Florida Panthers scored three in the second.
Returning to the Stanley Cup Final to defend their crown is only the start for the Panthers, marking the 11th time in the last 12 years a sun belt team has reached the finals.
Although they avoided being swept, the Hurricanes were eliminated in the conference finals for the second time in three seasons, facing offseason questions.
The Panthers are also the third South Florida professional team to reach the title game, joining the Miami Dolphins and Miami Heat.
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