Florida Panthers Game 5 Win: Five Key Stats vs New York Rangers

Florida Panthers take 3-2 series lead over New York Rangers with Game 5 win, one step closer to Stanley Cup Finals.

The Florida Panthers took a significant step towards securing a spot in the Stanley Cup Finals after a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the New York Rangers in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference final at Madison Square Garden. With a 3-2 series lead, the Panthers are just one win away from making a return to the Stanley Cup Finals for the second consecutive season. The pivotal Game 5 is scheduled for 8 p.m. on Saturday at Sunrise's Amerant Bank Arena.

In their Thursday night victory, the Panthers showcased their defensive prowess by not allowing a goal at even strength, with the Rangers' two goals coming in different situations. Chris Kreider netted a short-handed goal in the second period, while Alexis Lafraniere scored with the goaltender pulled for an extra attacker. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky was flawless at 5-on-5, stopping all 17 shots he faced. Throughout the playoffs, Bobrovsky has maintained a .918 save percentage at even strength, with a .923 save percentage in the series against the Rangers.

Bobrovsky's win on Thursday marked his 40th career playoff victory, placing him in elite company alongside active goaltenders such as Marc-Andre Fleury, Andrei Vasilevskiy, and Jonathan Quick. Additionally, defenseman Gustav Forsling's game-tying goal in the second period was the Panthers' 10th such goal in the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs, the most among all teams.

The Panthers have excelled in close games, boasting a 6-3 record in one-goal games this postseason. Their ability to thrive in tight situations is evident in their regular season performance, where they went 19-6-7 in games decided by a single goal. With 14 players contributing goals and 18 players registering at least one point, the Panthers have displayed a balanced offensive attack throughout the playoffs.

As the Panthers look to close out the series and secure their spot in the Stanley Cup Finals, their resilience in close games and strong defensive play will be crucial factors in determining their success. With a talented roster and a determined mindset, the Panthers are poised to make a deep playoff run and compete for the ultimate prize in the NHL.