The Florida Panthers dropped Game 4 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals against the Carolina Hurricanes. However, the series remained theirs to lose. They had a 3-1 series lead and had a chance to advance to the Stanley Cup Final with a win on Wednesday night in Game 5.

The Panthers fell behind the Hurricanes 2-0 during Game 5. But this Florida team refuses to quit, no matter the circumstances. Florida stormed back in the second period, scoring three goals. In the end, the Panthers won Game 5 by the score of 5-3 and have advanced to their third straight Stanley Cup Final.

Game 5 was the first multi-goal comeback to clinch a postseason series in Panthers history. Florida is the seventh team to make at least three consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances since the Expansion Era began in 1967. They are the second team to achieve this feat since the New York Islanders did it from 1980 to 1984.

Panthers repeat superstition from last year

Article Continues Below
Related Florida Panthers News
Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) skates against Carolina Hurricanes during the third period in game two of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center
Matthew Tkachuk’s ‘business’ take on Panthers’ Stanley Cup Final tripChristopher Hennessy ·
Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand (63) enters the ice for warmup prior to the during the first period against the Carolina Hurricanes in game one of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center.
Brad Marchand sends ‘toughest’ warning to Panthers for Stanley Cup FinalMichael Whitaker ·
Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice during the post game media conference following a win in game seven of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs over the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena.
Paul Maurice makes ‘life-altering’ confession about Panthers’ runColin Gallant ·
Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice on the ice after the third period and and win against the Carolina Hurricanes in game five of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center.
Panthers’ Paul Maurice explains strange Rod Brind’Amour handshake momentTristin McKinstry ·
Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) skates against Carolina Hurricanes during the third period in game two of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center.
Bonkers Matthew Tkachuk stat proves he’s Panthers’ good luck charmTristin McKinstry ·
Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice (lright) looks on during the second period against the Carolina Hurricanes in game five of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center.
Panthers, Hurricanes coaches exchange words after Game 5Tristin McKinstry ·
The Florida Panthers celebrate winning the Prince of Wales trophy following their close-out victory against the New York Rangers in game six of the Eastern Conference Final
© Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports

NHL teams are more superstitious than they let on. This is evident through their approaches to the Conference Championship trophy. The winner of the Eastern Conference is awarded the Prince of Wales Trophy. However, many teams decide not touch it, believing it could spell bad luck in the Stanley Cup Final.

The Panthers did touch the trophy when they defeated the Hurricanes in 2023. Unfortunately, they went on to lose the Stanley Cup Final. They elected not to touch the trophy last year. Florida almost experienced bad luck, blowing a 3-0 series lead to the Edmonton Oilers. However, they were able to win Game 7 and the Stanley Cup along with it.

This year, the Panthers elected to once again not touch the Prince of Wales Trophy. Whether this leads to a second consecutive championship remains to be seen. However, they do appear on course for a rematch with Edmonton. Only time will tell if history repeats itself in the 2025 Stanley Cup Final.