The trio made the play that scored the Panthers’ eventual game-winning goal in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference final.

Seth Jones wanted a trade to a contending team. Chicago dealt him to Florida, and he has become a key Panther during their playoff run.

“After you see it up close, you realize there’s a reason for it,” said forward Brad Marchand, who spent years trying to solve Bobrovsky as an opponent. “He competes so hard every day. He’s probably the most dedicated player that I’ve ever played with.

Florida Panthers General Manager, President of Hockey Operations Bill Zito lifts the Stanley Cup after the Panthers defeated the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the NHL Stanley Cup Final at the Amerant Bank Arena on Monday, June 24, 2024, in Sunrise, Fla. David Santiago dsantiago@miamiherald.com

The Panthers have had 17 different players score during the playoffs, getting contributions from unheralded players like Jesper Boqvist and A.J. Greer.

The Carolina Hurricanes have been here before. Each of their past two trips to the Eastern Conference finals has seen them fall behind 2-0 in the series and ended with the Hurricanes coming up on the wrong side of a sweep.

The Florida Panthers weren’t the top team in the Eastern Conference heading ... They brought some key guys in. Florida just plays the right way all the time. It’s exhausting for teams.”

Florida Panthers star Sam Reinhart left Game 2 against the Carolina Hurricanes in the first period and didn't return.

Gary Townsend was bored during COVID-19 and wanted to find fun activities in South Florida when he stumbled upon Panthers tickets.