May 1, 2025

Florida Panthers Advance to Stanley Cup Playoffs Second Round

News Summary

The Florida Panthers defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 6-3 in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, winning the series 4-1. With a standout performance from players like Sam Bennett, who scored the game-winning goal, and Eetu Luostarinen, the Panthers successfully eliminated the Lightning for the second consecutive year. The game showcased Florida’s strong defense and momentum as they prepare for the next round against the Ottawa-Toronto series winner.

Tampa, Florida –

The Florida Panthers defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 6-3 in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena on Thursday night, clinching the series 4-1 and advancing to the second round. Despite the Lightning’s desperate bid to keep their season alive, the Panthers’ strong performance solidified their successful playoff run, marking the second consecutive year they have eliminated the Lightning in the first round.

The victory comes after a season that saw Florida take a commanding 3-1 lead in the series, making Game 5 a “do or die” scenario for Tampa Bay. The atmosphere was charged as meteorologist Greg Dee predicted comfortable morning temperatures, ranging from the low 60s to upper 50s, with highs expected to hit the upper 80s and low 90s.

Sam Bennett, who had been under pressure due to a recent penalty for slashing, redeemed himself by scoring the game-winning goal for Florida shortly after exiting the penalty box. His goal came after the Lightning equalized during a power play in the second period, making the score 3-3. The Panthers then pulled ahead with Bennett’s goal, followed by two additional goals from their offensive players, ultimately leading to their 6-3 victory.

Alongside Bennett’s crucial strike, Eetu Luostarinen had an impressive night, scoring once and assisting three times, totaling four points. Other players contributing goals for the Panthers included Carter Verhaeghe, Anton Lundell, Aleksander Barkov, and Sam Reinhart. For Tampa Bay, goals were scored by Gage Goncalves, Nick Paul, and Jake Guentzel.

Panthers Defense Shines

Florida’s defense played a pivotal role in the game, maintaining composure and protecting the lead. Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky made 26 saves, showcasing his skills in crucial moments. The Panthers have now achieved a remarkable record of 22 consecutive playoff victories when leading after two periods. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay’s netminder Andrei Vasilevskiy recorded 25 saves but was unable to keep the Lightning’s playoff hopes alive.

Tampa Bay’s Struggles at Home

The defeat marks a disappointing trend for Tampa Bay, who finished their playoff run with an 0-3 record at home during this series and have dropped to 1-9 in their last ten home playoff games. The Lightning have now faced elimination in the first round for three consecutive seasons. Notably, Nikita Kucherov, a key player for the Lightning, went goalless in the series, extending his playoff goal drought to 15 games.

Looking Ahead

With their win, the Panthers will move on to face the winner of the Ottawa-Toronto series, which the Maple Leafs currently lead 3-2. Florida’s strong performance, including aggressive physical play and a resolute defense, has been instrumental in their advancement in the playoffs.

The increased intensity of Game 5 did not go unnoticed, with the Lightning displaying a higher energy level than in previous games of the series. The coaching staff emphasized the importance of maintaining composure, showcasing a balance between offensive aggression and defensive trust.

The Panthers’ journey continues, and as they prepare for the next round, their last victory further reaffirms their momentum and strategic gameplay throughout the postseason. Fans of the Panthers look forward to seeing how their team will perform against future opponents as they aim for playoff success.

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Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER

The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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