“I wasn’t ready to play hockey.”
It’s safe to say that Sam Bennett has put things together completely during Game 7 in Toronto.
After beating the Maple Leafs in the Wild 7-Game Series, the Florida Panthers will continue their second Stanley Cup quest as they face off against the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Finals, which begins at Game 1 on Tuesday.
In 2023, the Panthers took the Hurricane by storm and reached the Stanley Cup final.
“I think the only difference is what we’ve experienced and we have that experience,” forward Matthew Tokachuk said of the impending rematch. “It’s not that different for us. We’re still stupid, having fun and always joking. But when it’s time to wear those work boots, I don’t think there’s a team that works harder.”
The Panthers start the series on the road, but South Florida still has a party.
To see what’s happening around territory this week or below, continue below.
game
Tuesday, May 20th: Carolina Hurricane – 8pm
**TV & Streaming**: TNT, MAX, SN, CBC, TVAS Radio: 560 WQAM (Dade/Broward); 92.1 WZZR-FM (Palm Beach); 100.3 WCTH (Florida Key); Panthers App; SiriusXM Channel 220 / App & Streaming 931
Thursday, May 22nd: Carolina Hurricane – 8pm
**TV & Streaming**: TNT, MAX, SN, CBC, TVAS Radio: 560 WQAM (Dade/Broward); 92.1 WZZR-FM & 1230 WBZT-AM (Palm Beach); 100.3 WCTH (Florida Key); Panthers App; SiriusXM Channel 220 / App & Streaming 931
Saturday, May 24th: Carolina Hurricane – 8pm
**TV & Streaming**: TNT, MAX, SN, CBC, TVAS Radio: 560 WQAM (Dade/Broward); 92.1 WZZR-FM & 1230 WBZT-AM (Palm Beach); 100.3 WCTH (Florida Key); Panthers App; SiriusXM Channel 220 / App & Streaming 931 Tickets: Click here
Watch the party
Grab your jersey and get ready for the party this week.
For Game 1 on Tuesday, fans can head to the Funky Buddha Brewery to enjoy drinks, food, special look and more.
For Game 2 on Thursday, the party gets even bigger with FTL War Memorial.
The first official Panthers Watch Party at its latest concert venue in downtown Fort Lauderdale, the door opens in the auditorium at 6:30pm for a live band performance
Fans can then enjoy the pre-match show before the pack drop at 8pm before 7:30pm.
Click here for more information about both watch parties.
The third line is shining
Line 3 is on another level for the Panthers as it was all playoffs.
Throughout the second round, Anton Randell, Brad Merchand and Etu Luastalinen scored 34 points, while Luostalinen and Merchand each earned a team lead with 12 points.
At 5-5, the line boasts 60.26, which shares its expected goals, according to NaturnStattrick.com.
“Their line was an incredible all the playoffs,” forward Carter Werhege said. “They’re scoring big goals. They’re playing tough minutes and the best players. It’s really good to watch. They put pressure on everyone else in the goalscoring department and more.”
Not only does it accumulate points, but the lines also bring you the body.
Heading into the Eastern Conference Finals, Luostarinen ranks second in the team with 63 hits, while Merchand (19) and Randell (15) are also very physical.
It also combines 31 block shots.
“We just want to keep going and maintain the pressure,” Luostarinen said.
ECF Preview
See below to help Goldie and Randy prepare for the Panthers vs. Hurricane.
