“We’re Not Done Yet”: Barkov Leads Panthers Back to the Stanley Cup Final With Gritty Win Over Hurricanes
Sunrise, FL — The Florida Panthers are headed back to the Stanley Cup Final — but don’t expect any premature celebrations from their captain.
After a grueling and hard-fought series, capped off by a dramatic win over the Carolina Hurricanes, Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov made it clear: this team has only one goal in mind.
“We didn’t come here to win the Eastern Conference,” Barkov said moments after lifting the Prince of Wales Trophy. “It’s a huge achievement; I’m not saying anything bad about it. But we got to where we wanted. We’re in the Final once again, and we want to win the Stanley Cup, just like any other team.”
That focus and determination were on full display as the Panthers edged the Hurricanes in a physically draining, emotionally charged game that tested every ounce of their endurance. Florida’s ability to close out the series against a relentless Carolina squad highlighted their depth, resilience, and championship mentality.
“It was a tough, tough game,” Barkov admitted. “Carolina played so well, and the way we managed to win this game is for sure one that you remember.”
From the opening puck drop, the Hurricanes came out firing, determined to force a Game 7. But Florida weathered the storm, leaning on tight defensive structure, clutch goaltending from Sergei Bobrovsky, and timely scoring. It was a game marked by intensity, heavy hits, and narrow margins — the kind of hockey that defines postseason legends.
This marks the second consecutive year the Panthers have reached the Stanley Cup Final, a testament to the organization’s rapid rise and consistency at the highest level. For Barkov and the rest of the core group, the journey back has been fueled by unfinished business after last season’s heartbreak.
“This is what we play for,” Barkov said. “Of course we’re happy. We’re really tired right now, but we’re happy with what we just achieved and the way we achieved it.”
The Panthers’ locker room was filled with celebration and relief — but also a quiet understanding that the hardest challenge still lies ahead. While the Eastern Conference title is an impressive feat, this team knows it will be defined by how it performs on hockey’s grandest stage.
Head coach Paul Maurice echoed that sentiment postgame.
“There’s pride in what we’ve done so far, no doubt,” Maurice said. “But our group is driven. They’ve been through the fire. They know what it takes to get here, and more importantly, they know what it’ll take to win it all.”
Florida now awaits its opponent from the Western Conference Final, with preparations already underway. But make no mistake — the Panthers aren’t just content with another Final appearance.
They want the Cup.
And judging by the fire in Barkov’s voice, they’re hell-bent on finishing what they started.
