The Florida Panthers are looking to close out their opening-round Stanley Cup Playoffs series against the Tampa Bay Lightning at home with a 3-1 lead in the best-of-7 series. Game 5 will take place at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise with the Panthers hoping to secure a win and advance to the next round. The game will be televised on ESPN and Bally Sports Florida as the Panthers aim to wrap things up on home ice.
In the previous games, Florida won the first three games of the series but dropped Game 4 to a desperate Tampa Bay team fighting to keep their season alive. The Panthers played well in the first two games in Sunrise and are looking to continue their momentum on home ice. With score updates, thoughts, commentary, and analysis throughout the game, fans can follow along as the Panthers aim to secure the victory in Game 5.
During the game, Victor Hedman scored for the Lightning to get them on the scoreboard shortly after Florida took a two-goal lead. Special teams played in the Panthers’ favor as Aleksander Barkov doubled the lead with a shorthanded goal. Carter Verhaeghe opened the scoring for Florida, giving them a 1-0 lead early in the second period. The Panthers’ penalty kill has been perfect so far in Game 5, going 3 for 3.
In the first period, both teams had opportunities, with the Lightning having a goal overturned due to goaltender interference. The Panthers and Lightning had seven shots on goal each, and neither team gained much offensive momentum in the opening 20 minutes. The first intermission saw some rough play, leading to a four-on-four play starting the second period after roughing penalties for both teams.
Florida found themselves in early penalty trouble in Game 5 but successfully killed off both penalties, thwarting the Lightning’s attempts to score. Panthers forward Nick Cousins left warmups early but ultimately played in the game. Despite some lineup changes, the Panthers remained focused on securing a win in Game 5 to close out the series.
Recapping the series so far, the Panthers have dominated in the first three games, securing wins in Game 1, Game 2, and Game 3. However, the Lightning fought back in Game 4, taking a decisive win to keep their playoff hopes alive. Looking ahead to Game 5, the Panthers are determined to bounce back and secure the victory on home ice, advancing to the next round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
