Panthers Dominate Hurricanes in Game 2 of Eastern Conference Finals

RALEIGH, N.C. — The Florida Panthers secured a decisive 5-0 victory against the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Final on May 22, 2025. With this win, the Panthers now lead the best-of-seven series 2-0.

Florida’s goalie Sergei Bobrovsky recorded his third shutout of the playoffs, making 17 saves as the Panthers outperformed the Hurricanes, who have lost 14 consecutive games in the conference finals. Sam Bennett and Carter Verhaeghe each contributed three points, with Bennett scoring two goals and providing one assist.

The Panthers started strong, quickly taking a 1-0 lead. Gustav Forsling scored just 1:17 into the first period, assisted by Matthew Tkachuk. “Forsling’s goal was huge to start the period,” Tkachuk said, praising the team’s effort and momentum. The Panthers continued to dominate, with Tkachuk scoring again at 11:41, followed by Bennett’s power-play goal at 15:50, ending the first period 3-0.

Bennett added another goal late in the second period to extend the lead to 4-0. Aleksander Barkov capped the scoring with a fifth goal in the third period, securing the victory for Florida. “This was a complete game for us,” Bobrovsky noted, emphasizing the team’s hard work and persistence.

Carolina struggled offensively, with goalie Frederik Andersen allowing four goals on 16 shots before being relieved. Coach Rod Brind’Amour expressed frustration with his team’s performance. “The margin here is tight; we’re not going to beat this team when we’re not on the same page,” he explained.

Game 3 will take place in Sunrise, Florida, on May 24, 2025, where the Hurricanes aim to regroup and turn the series around. Carolina will need to find their scoring touch, as they have only managed two goals in the first two games. The Panthers have swiftly shown their playoff depth, with multiple players contributing significantly to the scoresheet.