‘None of that will matter once the puck drops tonight’: Panthers mindful of success in Boston, but aren’t living in the past

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It’s going to be hard to follow up the entertainment value that was seen on Wednesday night in Sunrise. 


Game 2 was about as fun as you can have if you were a neutral, or fan of the home team. 

 

148 penalty minutes — 12 of those being game misconducts — seven goals, Brandon Montour mocking Brad Marchand with a licking gesture (look up Marchand – Callahan, 2018 playoffs) and, Matthew Tkachuk and David Pastrnak putting forth their best “Doug Glatt” impressions in front of 19,000 plus at Amerant Bank Arena. 

 

“If you paid money to come to the rink tonight, you got a hell of a night,” Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said after Game 2.

 

As for the two superstars fighting, the Panthers boss had a similar opinion.

 

“They each have their team, they got their brothers in the room,it gets a little spicy out there and they want to go,” Maurice added. “I think it was awesome.” 

 

Both teams had their respective moments so far in the series. In Game 1, Boston walked over Florida in a 5-1 victory. The Panthers would answer the bell with a 6-1 walloping of the Bruins at home in Game 2.  

 

Now the series shifts to Boston, with Game 3 on Friday night at the TD Garden.

 


The last time these two sides met in a playoff game in Boston, it was Florida that ended the Bruins season after Carter Verhaeghe scored the overtime winner in Game 7 last year.

 


Florida beat Boston in three of the four playoff meetings at the TD Garden in 2023. After Friday’s morning skate ahead of Game 3 Maurice was asked if that success makes them more comfortable going into this year’s series.

 

 

“I’m trying to give you a mindful answer about ‘how do you feel coming into this game?’”, Maurice said before answering. “I’m gonna say yes, but it doesn’t matter… We didn’t beat them in the regular season — they beat us five times —  and that had nothing to do with Game 2, it doesn’t matter.”



Maurice continued; “We beat them three times up here last year, none of that will matter once the puck drops tonight.”

 

The Panthers were 0-0-2 in Boston during the regular season, but like Maurice said, none of that matters in the playoffs. 

 

As for the game on hand, the Panthers may get back a big piece to their forward core tonight. 

 

 

Sam Bennett, who hasn’t played since leaving Game 2 of the first round with an injury (upper-body), took morning skate with the team on Friday and will be a game-time decision, per Maurice.



“He was good this morning, he felt really good,” Maurice said of Bennett. “We’ll get him a nap this afternoon, get him through warmups and make a decision then.”



If Bennett is good to play on Friday, the odd forward out will likely be a member of the fourth-line. The line of Steven Lorentz, Kyle Okposo and Nick Cousins have been great this postseason, so good that they’ve kept Ryan Lomberg and Jonah Gadjovich — both regulars during the season — out of the playoff lineup.

 

“I’m gonna end up taking a player out of the lineup who doesn’t deserve to come out of the lineup,” Maurice said on Friday in anticipation of a Bennett return. “Sam Bennett’s not watching games, if he’s ready to play, he’s playing.”



Projected Lines (If Bennett doesn’t play)

Tarasenko – Barkov – Reinhart 

Verhaeghe – Lundell – Tkachuk 

Luostarinen – Stenlund – Rodrigues 

Cousins – Lorentz – Okposo

 

Forsling – Ekblad

Mikkola – Montour

Ekman-Larsson – Kulikov

 

Bobrovsky 

Stolarz

 

Sam Bennett skated during line rushes with projected scratches Ryan Lomberg and Jonah Gadjovich today, per Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald. 

 

If Bennett does play, expect centers Anton Lundell and Kevin Stenlund to both slide down a line, while Bennett takes over line 2 with Tkachuk and Verhaeghe. 

 

Friday’s drop is 7 p.m. ET at the TD Garden in Boston.

Panthers tie series, score six on Bruins in Game 2

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SUNRISE — After losing 5-1 at home in Game 1, The Florida Panthers quickly bounced back on Wednesday night, defeating the Boston Bruins 6-1 at Amerant Bank Arena. 

 

The series now stands at 1-1, with the Bruins hosting the next two games at the TD Garden in Boston.  

 

In the first period, the Panthers looked awfully similar to the team who got run out of the building in Game 1. 

 

The Bruins were forcing plenty of o-zone turnovers with their heavy forecheck, and it would give them a 1-0 lead off of Charlie Coyle’s first goal of the playoffs, 12:12 into the game. 

 

Florida was lucky to be down just one when they went to the intermission — it felt like Boston would repeat what they did the previous game. 


The Panthers didn’t have a lot of juice in the first four periods of the series. The only line that really didn’t look outmuscled was the one who sees the least amount of ice. 

 

Florida’s fourth-line never strayed away from the simple parts of the team’s style; pucks in deep, hard forecheck and creating traffic in front. 

 

1:56 into the second, Steven Lorentz tied the game after redirecting a point shot from Brandon Montour. 

 

The Panthers had life thanks to their depth players — their stars would follow suit. 

 

Captain Aleksander Barkov found the back of the net for the third time in the playoffs — giving the Panthers a 2-1 lead at the midway part of the period. 

 

In Game 1, Boston took control of the game after Brandon Carlo gave his team a two-goal cushion with just 20 seconds left in the second period. 

 

On Wednesday night, Florida flipped the script. 

 

With just one second remaining in the period, Gustav Forsling fired his first goal of the playoffs past Jeremy Swayman — the Panthers had their two-goal cushion. 

 

“It was obviously a huge goal by Forsy,” Barkov said. “It made us feel a little more comfortable going into the third.”

 

Eetu Luostarinen quickly increased Florida’s lead to three just 88 seconds into the fourth.

 

Boston would pull Swayman, bringing in Linus Ullmark for just his second appearance of the postseason, however this wouldn’t stop the bleeding in Sunrise. 

 

Barkov would pick up another goal and another assist — completely putting the game out of reach.

 

“I think, in a veery good way, he’s the perfect man to be captain of the Florida Panthers,” head coach Paul  Maurice said of Barkov. “We have an interesting spectrum of personalities in our group. We need a guy exactly like that (Barkov).”

 

Both Barkov (2G, 2A) and Reinhart (4A) would finish the game with four points.

 

“He stepped up when we needed him the most,” Eetu Luostarinen said of Barkov. “I think he’s been unreal all of the playoffs.”

 

Game 3 will be Friday, May 10, at 7 p.m. ET in Boston.

 

GAME NOTES 

There were 12 total misconducts in the game — all in the third period

 

Panthers’ Sam Bennett didn’t play, but is expected to join the team on the road trip

 

This is the first game of the playoffs where Jeremy Swayman conceded more than two goals — he gave up four

Panthers – Bruins: Sam Bennett to miss Game 2 vs. Boston

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After a disappointing 5-1 loss in Game 1, the Florida Panthers will try and even up the series later tonight in Sunrise. 

 

The Panthers aren’t strangers when it comes to facing an early series deficit. In the first round last year, they lost Game 1 to the Bruins before winning Game 2, 6-3.

 

They’ll need to do the same tonight at home, otherwise they’ll be flying to Boston, down 2-0. 

 

Florida will once again be without the services of center Sam Bennett (upper-body) on Wednesday night. Bennett, who hasn’t played since Game 2 of the first round, will miss his fifth straight game. 

 

Bennett has been skating away from the team this week and took part in a full skate with the Panthers’ scratches on Tuesday.

 

Bennett did not skate Wednesday.

 

Also on Tuesday, Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said that Bennett would play in “one of the next three games”. Maurice gave another update before Game 2, saying Bennett’s “not far off” and that he expects him to be on the road trip. 

 

As for lineup changes, the Panthers didn’t switch up anything at morning skate — running back the same lines from Game 1. 

 

Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky is scheduled to start his seventh straight game (4-2-0) of the postseason.

 

Projected Lines

Verhaeghe – Barkov – Tkachuk 

Luostarinen – Lundell – Reinhart 

Tarasenko – Stenlund – Rodrigues 

Cousins – Lorentz – Okposo

 

Forsling – Ekblad

Mikkola – Montour

Ekman-Larsson – Kulikov

 

Bobrovsky (Confirmed Starter)

Stolarz

 

Schedule — Bruins lead 1-0

Game 1: Monday, May 6 — 8 p.m. (Amerant Bank Arena) –  FINAL: BOS 5-1

Game 2: Wednesday, May 8 — 7:30 p.m. (Amerant Bank Arena)

Game 3: Friday, May 10 — 7 p.m. (TD Garden)

Game 4: Sunday, May 12 — 6:30  p.m.  (TD Garden) 

Game 5: Tuesday, May 14 — TBD (Amerant Bank Arena)

Game 6: Friday, May 17 — TBD (TD Garden)

Game 7: Sunday, May 19 — TBD (Amerant Bank Arena)

From South Beach to Slam Dunks: The Impact of Online Sports Betting on NBA Fandom in South Florida

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The convergence of sports and technology has given rise to a new era of fandom, particularly in regions with a fervent sports culture like South Florida. The National Basketball Association (NBA), with its star-studded teams and high-energy games, has long captivated audiences worldwide. However, the emergence of online sports betting platforms has added a new dimension to the fan experience, reshaping how enthusiasts engage with their favorite teams and players. This article assesses the impact of online sports betting on NBA fandom in South Florida, exploring its implications on fan behavior, team allegiance and the overall sports landscape.

The Rise of Online Sports Betting

In recent years, online sports betting has experienced exponential growth, propelled by advancements in technology and changing regulatory landscapes. South Florida, with its vibrant sports scene and passionate fan base, has embraced this trend wholeheartedly. The accessibility and convenience of online platforms such as Betway zm have made it easier than ever for fans to wager on favored NBA teams, transforming how they consume and interact with the sport.

Changing Fan Behavior 

The availability of online sports betting such as Betway zm has led to a shift in fan behavior, with many enthusiasts becoming more deeply invested in the outcomes of NBA games. No longer mere spectators, fans now have a vested interest in the performance of specific players, teams and individual statistics. Furthermore, the accessibility of real-time data and betting markets has empowered fans to analyze and strategize like never before, enabling a deeper understanding and appreciation of the intricacies of the game. This heightened level of engagement has built a sense of camaraderie among fellow bettors while intensifying competitive spirit during games.

Impact on Team Allegiance

Traditionally, sports fandom in South Florida has been deeply rooted in local allegiances, with residents rallying behind their hometown teams such as the Miami Heat, for example before their recent upset of the top seeds the Boston Celtics. However, the advent of online sports betting has blurred the lines between loyalty and opportunity, as fans are increasingly drawn to teams with favorable betting odds rather than geographical proximity. This phenomenon has led to a more diversified fan base, with supporters aligning themselves with teams that offer the best prospects for financial gain.

The Intersection of Entertainment and Economics

The marriage of sports and gambling has created a symbiotic relationship between entertainment and economics. For many fans in South Florida, betting on NBA games at platforms like Betway zm has become not only a form of recreation but also a potential source of income. The thrill of wagering adds an extra layer of excitement to the viewing experience, transforming mundane matchups into high-stakes showdowns. Additionally, the financial incentives associated with successful bets can serve as a lucrative incentive for fans to remain engaged and invested in the sport.

Regulatory Considerations

Despite its growing popularity, online sports betting remains a contentious issue in many jurisdictions, with varying degrees of regulation and oversight. In South Florida, legislators continue to grapple with the complexities of gambling laws, weighing the economic benefits against potential social and ethical concerns. While some argue that legalized sports betting can stimulate economic growth and generate tax revenue, others raise concerns about the potential for addiction and exploitation, particularly among vulnerable populations. 

The Future of NBA Fandom

As online sports betting at providers in league with Betway zm continues to permeate the fabric of NBA fandom in South Florida, its long-term implications remain subject to speculation. While some herald it as a natural evolution of the sports entertainment industry, others caution against its potential to commodify and dilute the purity of the game. Ultimately, the impact of online sports betting on NBA fandom in South Florida will depend on a delicate balance between regulation, innovation, and the enduring passion of fans.

Conclusion

The integration of online sports betting into NBA fandom in South Florida represents a seismic shift in how enthusiasts engage with the sport. From changing fan behavior and team allegiances to the intersection of entertainment and economics, the impact of this trend is multifaceted and far-reaching. As the landscape continues to evolve, stakeholders must navigate the complexities of regulation and ethics to guarantee the integrity of the game remains intact while simultaneously embracing the opportunities for growth and innovation that online sports betting such as Betway zm presents.

Why Online Betting Will Be a Success in Maryland For The State and The Players

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The Maryland betting market is anticipated to be extensive when launched. It is famous for the Baltimore Ravens, which have shown outstanding performance in the NFL. In addition, it is home for all those sports enthusiasts that enjoy fantasy sports games. They will check sites like BetbuddyMD to check the available betting options. 

 

Maryland and the rest of the DMV are a hub for professional sports, so the betting market is expected to grow extensively. Moreover, it could be the best betting market in the whole nation. 

 

Why online betting will be a success for the state

Legalizing sports betting in Maryland is expected to happen by the end of 2022. Back in November 2021, the officials stated that legalizing betting would occur at that time. For now, there is ongoing research performed by the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission. It focuses on online betting and its implementation. 

 

Many sports fans can’t wait to see what the newly established market offers. And we must highlight that the fans are eager to see betting options for the upcoming NFL games. With this, football fans can support their favorite teams legally.

 

Betting market

The betting market is highly regulated, so companies need to have the proper certifications. Sixty betting companies have gained permission to operate in this market. In addition, 30 sportsbooks have also been granted a license. With so many companies available, players are free to choose the right fit for their betting needs.

 

What to expect from the Maryland betting market? The big brands in the betting world will have dedicated apps for their customers. With this, betting on the go will be so much easier. 

 

How the players will benefit from betting in Maryland

The betting marketplace has enormous potential. We know that many companies already have licenses to operate in this market. With many of them being big brands, the competition will be intense. For players, this is good news. The companies will need help to gain new customers and will offer great prizes and bonuses for this. In addition, online betting sites will provide various options and improve their features for the ultimate user experience. With welcome bonuses and the possibility to pay in crypto, the players will enjoy their online experience.

 

It is important to note that reputable brands in the betting industry will enter the market. Big names such as DraftKings and With so many providers available, players will have the freedom to choose. Line shopping will be available for the ones looking for the best odds. Maryland has a competitive market, unlike other states, where you can only find a few providers.

 

But also it is essential to note that there are exciting options available. Sports fans have domestic teams to bet on the Ravens and Orioles. For example, the Ravens have already established a partnership with a reputable company that will bring so many bonuses when betting on home teams. And for sports fans, this will be an exciting experience for sure. 

 

Bruins take Game 1 on road, defeat Panthers 5-1

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SUNRISE — Just two days off their Game 7 overtime win, the Boston Bruins opened up the second round with a 5-1 road victory over the Florida Panthers, Monday night in South Florida. 

 

Boston takes a 1-0 series lead against Florida lead for the second consecutive postseason.

 

The first goal of the game didn’t come until 11:45 into the second period, where Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk broke the ice with his fourth goal of the postseason, giving the Panthers a 1-0 lead.

 

After nearly 32 minutes of stellar goaltending to start the game, the floodgates would open up after Tkachuk got the ball rolling

 

Just 67 seconds after Florida took the lead, Boston’s Morgan Geekie answered the bell, tying the game at 1-1 with his third goal of the playoffs. 

 

Mason Lohrei would give Boston their first lead of the night with 3:43 left in the period, burying his first career playoff goal past Sergei Bobrovsky.

 

With 21 seconds left in the second, Brandon Carlo scored from the point — giving the Bruins a two-goal lead.

 

After three unanswered goals in the final seven minutes of the period, the Bruins went into the third up 3-1.

 

In the third, Justin Brazeau added a fourth Bruins goal — putting them up 4-1, 7:13 into the third. 

 

The Bruins would add one more on the empty net to end their goal total at five.

 

Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman had 38 saves in the win.

 

Boston has won Game 1 in their last two playoff series — the most recent being this year over Toronto.

This was Florida’s first home playoff loss since Game 4 of the 2023 Stanley Cup Final to Vegas.

‘All the bruises are gone and we feel pretty strong’: Panthers fresh and ready for second-round series against Bruins

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FORT LAUDERDALE — It’s been a week since the Panthers finished off the Tampa Bay Lightning in five games to move onto the second round. 

 

Wrapping up their series early, the Panthers have been out of game action for six days, but have kept themselves busy with a few team skates as they awaited the winner of the Bruins – Leafs matchup. 

 

“Rest isn’t the right word, it’s recovery, right? You get two days off at home, you’re rested and recovered.” Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said. “All the bruises are gone and we feel pretty strong.”

 

On Saturday, the Bruins avoided disaster, defeating the Leafs 2-1 in Game 7 thanks to David Pastrnank’s game winner.

 

Toronto was able to overcome a 3-1 deficit to force a winner takes all game in Boston — the same thing the Panthers did last season.

 

Unlike Florida, Toronto couldn’t get the job done. So now we are back to where we were last year — Florida vs Boston in the playoffs.

 

“Obviously a really good team over there,” Panthers defenseman Brandon Montour said of Boston. “You can look back at whoever won that series (Boston-Toronto), we got history with both of them.”

Last season, the Bruins were the overwhelming favorites in the series.


Florida was the lowest ranked team in the playoffs — narrowly getting in by just a point. The Bruins were the Presidents’ Trophy winners and chosen by many to win the cup. 

 

The guys from last year will never forget the borderline miracle they pulled off last year, however the 2023-24 Panthers are a different beast. 

 

Florida won Game 82 of the regular season, while Boston lost — flip flopping the division on the final day as the Panthers took home the Atlantic Division title. 

 

On Monday night, the Panthers will host the Bruins in Game 1 of the second round and they hope to take advantage of the home-ice they outright won. 

 

“It’s huge,” Panthers forward Evan Rodrigues spoke about playing in front of their fans . “They call it home-ice advantage for a reason. They (the fans) were loud, they were into it from Game 1 and it gives you a boost. 

 

The Panthers will be running the same lineup as they did in Game 5 against the Lightning, with Sergei Bobrovsky set to start again in net. 

 

Panthers forward, Sam Bennett, hasn’t played since Game 2 but has been skating away from the team. 

 

“He’s not far off,” Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said when asked about Bennett’s time table.

 

Puck drop will be at 8 p.m. ET in Sunrise.

 

Projected lines

Verhaeghe – Barkov – Tkachuk 

Luostarinen – Lundell – Reinhart 

Tarasenko – Stenlund – Rodrigues 

Cousins – Lorentz – Okposo

 

Forsling – Ekblad

Mikkola – Montour

Ekman-Larsson – Kulikov

 

Bobrovsky (Confirmed Starter)

Stolarz

 

The NHL has released the full second round schedule, but have not announced all of the start times just yet. 

 

Schedule

Game 1: Monday, May 6 — 8 p.m. (Amerant Bank Arena)

Game 2: Wednesday, May 8 — 7:30 p.m. (Amerant Bank Arena)

Game 3: Friday, May 10 — 7 p.m. (TD Garden)

Game 4: Sunday, May 12 — TBD (TD Garden) 

Game 5: Tuesday, May 14 — TBD (Amerant Bank Arena)

Game 6: Friday, May 17 — TBD (TD Garden)

Game 7: Sunday, May 19 — TBD (Amerant Bank Arena)

Panthers await opponent as Leafs force Game 7 against Bruins

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The Florida Panthers will have to wait a few more days before they can begin their second-round playoff series. 

 

On Thursday night, the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Boston Bruins 2-1 — forcing a winner takes all Game 7, Saturday in Boston.

 

William Nylander scored both of Toronto’s goals while Boston got on the board with just 0.1 seconds left in the game.

 

Florida will face the winner of the Leafs – Bruins series round 2, with Games 1 and 2 at home in Sunrise. 

 

Despite still not knowing their next opponent, the Panthers are more than familiar with both squads. 

 

The Panthers knocked the Bruins out in seven games in the first round last season before doing the same to the Leafs in just five games the next round. 

 

“The other teams, their personnel changed a bit (from last year), but the basics of their games haven’t changed,” Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said on Thursday. “Neither have ours, we got no secrets.” 

 

Entering Saturday’s Game 7, Boston finds themselves in an awfully similar situation to what they faced last year against Florida.



Like last year, the Bruins held a 3-1 series lead to the Leafs, with a chance to win the series at home in Game 5. Toronto — as Florida did — defeated the Bruins in overtime, shifting the series back to their home barn.

 

Boston has lost a first round Game 6, on the road, in back-to-back seasons and will need to prevent a repeat of last year if they don’t want another early summer. 

 

The NHL announced on Thursday that Game 1 between the Panthers and the winner of Leafs-Bruins will be on Monday, May 6 in Sunrise

 

As the Atlantic Division winners, Florida will have the home-ice advantage in the second round, whether it’s Boston or Toronto who land in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday morning.

Fascinating World of Slot Machines: Unraveling Popular Game Themes in Pin-Up Casino AZ

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In online casinos, slots are the most played game. To win, you need to wait for a combination of identical symbols. Many well-known platforms that are not on the first day of the market, such as Pin-Up casino AZ, select the best slots from the trending game providers to guarantee the most rewarding leisure time for customers. The range of themes is a significant element in why many gamers play online slot games. It allows novice and seasoned players to select the most engaging pastime. Let’s examine the topics that are popular in Azerbaijan right now.

Popular slot themes in PinUp 360

What popular game themes can you find in modern Azerbaijani casinos? Let’s look at the most popular trends:

  • Fruits. It’s a cornerstone of all one-armed bandits. While there aren’t as many fruit motifs as once, many still love the symbols of bananas, lemons, plums, and oranges.
  • History. Games use this subject to feature games about historical periods. It could be treasure hunts, pharaohs, pyramids, or ancient civilizations. These slot machines base their storyline on well-known historical events. Moreover, Egypt has been a very prominent issue in this topic.
  • Pop culture. Usually, pop culture personalities play prominent roles in the characters, or popular bestsellers serve as the inspiration for the plots. Jurassic Park and Game of Thrones are two examples of these games.
  • Adventure. Players like exploring new places. Therefore, games like Novomatic’s Books and NetEnt’s Gonzo’s Quest — where heroes go on a treasure hunt — play a significant role.
  • Vikings and Scandinavian gods. It’s a relatively recent subject that has made its way into online casinos, such as Pin-Up online, owing to contemporary TV shows and movies. A unique society, fascinating mythology, and striking images of Vikings capture the hearts of numerous players.

Any theme will do since they all provide an engaging experience, so you can select any. For instance, those who prefer Pin Up casino Azerbaijan may easily search for one-armed-bandits based on themes and choose an appropriate one.

How to choose slot games for money in Pin-Up online?

It’s essential to comprehend the selection criteria for slots to have a fun and safe gaming experience. We recommend concentrating on the subsequent standards:

  • Determine how much you will spend on the game. Select one-armed bandits with wagers that are risk-free and within your means.
  • Look for the best RTP. Each slot game has a fixed winning percentage. There are more opportunities to win if the indication is high.
  • The slot’s variability reveals the frequency and magnitude of the wins. Smaller winnings occur more frequently while playing games with a low score. Additionally, high unpredictability occasionally leads to more significant successes.
  • Several bonus rounds, free spins, and other features are available on slots. Examine the bonuses listed and read the explanations.

A wide variety of slot machines with various themes are available in legal casinos to suit every player’s preference. PinUp 360 is one instance of this. Players may discover slots on a variety of subjects here. These are a few options available to players on gambling sites.

To sum up, casino slot types are growing along with the popularity of online platforms. Slot machines come in a variety of themes and varieties. The popularity of the mentioned games is still quite strong and is just becoming higher.

Panthers advance to second round, defeat Lightning in five games

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SUNRISE — The Florida Panthers advanced to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Monday night, defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning 6-1 — taking the series in five games.

 

The Panthers have now made the second round for three consecutive seasons.

 

After a scoreless first period which saw each team finish with just seven shots on goal, the offense would finally open in the second, and the home team would get on the board first. 

 

45 seconds into the second, Carter Verhaeghe put away his own rebound to score his fourth goal of the series — giving the Panthers a 1-0 lead.

 

Besides Game 4, there’s been a goal within the first minute of a period in every game this series. Each team has done it twice — Verhaeghe being responsible for both of Florida’s.

 

The Panthers struggled on the power play in the game, but they would find some offense off their penalty kill.

 

While shorthanded, Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov scored his first goal of the series, giving the Panthers a 2-0 lead. 

 

The Panthers would kill off the same penalty, however, after Sergei Bobrovsky stopped a barrage of Lightning shots, Victor Hedman would finally get the Lightning on the board with a slapshot from the point — cutting the Panthers lead to 2-1. 

 

Despite conceding the goal, the fans chanted “Bobby” in admiration for the effort of the Panthers goaltender.

 

“I just appreciate the support, they gave it to me all season long,” Bobrovsky said. “It’s a privilege to play in front of them.”

 

After 40 minutes of play, the Panthers led 2-1 — outshooting the Lightning 22-12 in the period. 

 

Entering the third, the Panthers were 20 minutes away from moving onto the second round, but with the Lihgtning trailing by just a goal, the push from the visitors was to be expected. 

 

The final frame of regualtion was as heavy of a period as there’s been this series. Tampa finished every hit, and the Panthers followed suit. 

 

After 10 plus minutes of tight hockey in the third, the Panthers captain gave his team a pivotal two-goal cushion. 

 

Barkov scored his second goal of the night with just under nine minutes to go in the third — this was the first multi-goal game in 52 career playoff games for the Panthers captain.

 

“He was so good, so dominant. It was like a man playing against boys out there. ” Matthew Tkachuk said of Barkov. “That was very impressive.”

 

Evan Rodrigues would ice the series, scoring his first goal of the playoffs — making it 4-1 with 5:44 left in regulation.

“I thought in the third we probably played our best period of the series,” Rodrigues said. “We had a big challenge, they were gonna have a big push and  I thought it was probably the lamest we played the entire series.”

 

The Panthers would score twice on empty net (Verhaeghe, Mikkola) — taking the game 6-1 and the series in five games.

 

This is the first time that the Panthers won a series against the Lightning in the playoffs. They lost the two previous attempts (2020-21 & 2021-22) with the 2022 series being a Lightning sweep.

 

“You have to slay the dragons,” Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said. “You’ve got to do things that you haven’t been able to do to show forward motion in progress because there was more pressure on our team.”

 

Florida’s current roster has 11 guys who were on the team for the 2022 second round loss to the Lightning and nine guys who were on the team for both 2021 and 2022.

 



What’s Next?

 

Florida awaits the winner of the Boston Bruins – Toronto MapleLeafs series. Boston currently leads 3-1, with a chance to close out the series at home on Tuesday night.

 

The Panthers defeated both teams in the playoffs last year — taking down Boston in seven games during round one, and Toronto in five games during round 2.