Panthers Edge Rangers 3-2 in Thrilling Game 5, One Win Away from Stanley Cup Final

The Florida Panthers close to returning to the Stanley cup final for the second year in a row. And the third time in the team history. They have successful because they are figuring out how to win the close hard fought games.

Anton Lundell broke the tie with 9:38pm left in the game. Which helping the Panthers defeat the New York Rangers 3 – 2 on Thursday night in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Stanley cup Final. In the last four games the teams have very evenly matched with each game decided by just one goal.

However the previous three games this one ended in regulation time and did not go into overtime.

Bennett mentioned that the Panthers are not thinking about returning to the Cup final just yet. They are focusing on taking one game at a time. But the positive memories from last season are motivating them.

I think it helps a lot Bennett said. Which knowing the grind and how hard it is really makes a difference. It takes so much effort and determination to achieve success. Last year taught us a lot about which it takes to get here.

Chris Kreider and Alexis Lafreniere scored for the Rangers. While, Igor Shesterkin made 34 saves in another impressive performance.

The Rangers from the top team in the regular season and won the president trophy now face a tough challenge. They need to win two games in a row to make it to the final for the first time since 2014. Mike Zibanejad also played a key role in the game. Which providing two assists to help his team.

The Panthers have the opportunity to close out the series on Saturday in Florida. However if a seventh game is required it will take place at Madison Square Garden.

Interestingly the Panthers have already secured two victories at the Garden during this series. This marks the first time this season that the Rangers are facing elimination in the playoffs.

There is not much to say Rangers captain Jacob Trouba remarked. We were in a tough spot. We need to bring our a game to keep our season alive.

The go ahead goal happened when the Rangers lost possession of the puck in the Florida end. Eetu Luostarien retrieved the puck and passed it to Lundell near the Rangers’ blue line. Lundell then took a shot from the right circle that beat Shesterkin.

Although it seemed like the puck might have been deflected. As several Panthers acknowledged veteran Vladimir Tarasenko effort in trying to tip the puck in front of Shesterkin. They believed that Tarasenko attempt could have influenced the goaltender.

We had opportunity after opportunity and kept pushing Lundell remarked. Both he and Luostarinen had close range shots between their legs earlier in the period. But Shesterkin stopped them. We had some excellent chances. Finally we got the goal.

Bennett secured an empty net goal with 1:52 remaining. which turned out to be crucial when Lafreniere scored with just 50 seconds left. However the Rangers were unable to get another shot before the game ended.

As the series intensifies every single play no matter how small becomes crucial. Which remarked Florida coach Paul Maurice. His team blocked 17 shots and had just one giveaway.

Rangers coach Peter Laviolette described the series as closely contested.

We need to take advantage of the chances we had. But unfortunately we could not do that tonight he said. As I mentioned the game was really close. We had opportunities but they just did not convert into goals. It ended up being a 2 – 1 game.

Kreider and Zibanejad who had not scored in the first four games of the series. By teamed up to give New York the lead with a short handed goal at 2:04 of the second period.

Kreider disrupted a Florida play near the blue line passed the puck to Zibanejad. Then received a pass back as they entered the offensive zone. Kreider made a slick backhand move to score against Bobrovsky. Which igniting a thunderous roar from the crowd at Madison Square Garden that seemed to shake the arena.

Kreider goal marked his eighth of the playoffs and the Rangers sixth short handed goal. By matching a team record from the 1978 to 79 postseason. In that year New York advanced to the Stanley Cup Final but ultimately lost to Montreal in a five game series.

Forsling equalized a little over six minutes later receiving a precise pass from Bennett. He then scored with a backhand shot that Shesterkin managed to deflect. But not enough to prevent it from entering the net. This marked the defenseman fourth goal and 11th point of the playoffs.

In the first period both teams had excellent scoring opportunities. Bobrovsky made crucial saves on Filip Chytil and Vincent Trocheck in close range for the Panthers. While Shesterkin denied Kevin Stenlund and received some assistance from the goalpost when Bennett close range backhand shot nearly found the net.