The Carolina Hurricanes jumped out to an early 2-0 lead off the sharp-shooting of Sebastian Aho, but the Panthers came roaring back with a surge in the second period and eventually took over the game with a 5-3 win to close out the series.
It is the third straight season this team has made it to the Stanley Cup Finals.
Seven minutes into the second, the Panthers took advantage of a penalty by Jesperi Kotkaniemi and scored just 16 seconds into the ensuing powerplay, then scored again 30 seconds after that to tie the score and take the momentum.
The visitors took a 3-2 lead four minutes after that, but the Hurricanes did not give up.
Seth Jarvis took a nice pass from Andrei Svechnikov and scored a pretty goal to make it, 3-3. But Florida was not done.
Captain, Sasha Barkov made a nice move and play to get the puck to an open Carter Verhaeghe, who made no mistake for the game-winner.
Sam Bennett scored into an empty net to close things out.
At least the Hurricanes went down swinging. It seemed likely that they would be swept, without a whimper when they went down, 3-0, but that did not happen.
They were credited with 48 hits in this game and created several chances.
Game Summary - https://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20242025/GS030315.HTM
Event Summary - https://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20242025/ES030315.HTM
Interviews - https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/be1i6cemya04fvz7q0bma/AHGLAXsQ68ZJDbjv3yMcoFY?rlkey=cxierhmattd42342xh46scnfc&e=1&st=mmun4o65&dl=0
There will be plenty of time to dissect and analyze what went wrong this season and what can be done to improve the team.
Canes Country will be active with a lot of discussion. After following up the end of season interviews, we will provide an opportunity for readers to grade each player, the coaching staff, and front office.
Of course we will also be reporting on each signing for the team and will have a draft preview and recap.
The season really never ends when it comes to opinions.
I want to thank all of our readers, commenting members, and our staff for another successful season here on the site.