Panthers Lose Home Finale To Hurricanes

     The Carolina Hurricanes clinched the Metropolitan Division as they defeated the Florida Panthers 6-4 at FLA Live Arena in Sunrise on Thursday night. Regardless of the result, Florida has reached the postseason for the fourth consecutive season. The team only had four playoff appearances from their inaugural season in 1993-94 until the 2014-15 campaign. 

     The Panthers finished with the Eastern Conference second wild-card spot and will play the Boston Bruins in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals next week. The Carolina Hurricanes ended up first in the Metropolitan Division and will challenge the New York Islanders in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. 

     It was Fan Appreciation Night at the venue. The team had the Jerseys Off Their Back ceremony involving players and the fans following the game. It was the first time the club held the event since 2019. 

     The Panthers clinched their first division title, the Southeast Division crown, in franchise history on April 7, 2012 against Carolina. The Hurricanes became the second visiting team to ever clinch a division title in Sunrise. The Montreal Canadiens wrapped up the Atlantic Division title back on April 3, 2017. 

     Carolina(52-21-9) made it 1-0 at the 8:21 mark. Sebastian Aho won a faceoff in the right circle. Seth Jarvis touched it on the right wing and Aho sent the puck to the right point. Brent Burns blasted a one-time slap shot for his 17th goal this season with his new team. 

     The Hurricanes increased it to 2-0 at 1:12 of the second period. Jesperi Kotkaniemi rainbowed a snap shot from the above the right circle past Alex Lyon for his 18th goal of the campaign. 

     Florida(42-32-8)