The Florida Panthers got a third-period goal from Anton Lundell to defeat the New York Rangers 3-1 and take a 3-2 series advantage in their Eastern Conference Final series.
After a scoreless first half, Chris Kreider opened the scoring with a goal just two minutes into the second half. It was his third goal of a short career and tied Mark Messier for most in Rangers history. His three such goals are tied with Joel Armia and Andrew Cogliano for the most among active players. It was the Rangers' sixth goal short of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs – the most in a single season on franchise record.
The Panthers tied the game six minutes later with a goal by Gustav Forsling.
The Panthers took the lead with less than 10 minutes left in the third period when Lundell scored his first goal of the period.
With Lundell leading the way, there have been a total of 32 passing goals in the third quarter this postseason, tied with 2011 and 1997 for the second most in this postseason (78 GP) behind 1991 (35).
Sam Bennett added an empty netter with less than two minutes left in the game.
Alexis Lafreniere deflected Mika Zibanejad's shot into the net with 50 seconds left to cut the deficit to one, but the Rangers were unable to score the tying goal, as the Panthers held on for the victory.
News and notes
Filip Chytil replaced Blake Wheeler for the Rangers in Game 5. Wheeler was healthy after replacing Chytil in the lineup in Tuesday's Game 4, as Florida won 3-2 in overtime to even the series. lead in seven 2-2. . Chytil was deemed healthy for Game 4, with the Rangers holding the power forward as part of an effort to manage him as he returns to being a regular in the lineup.
Related: 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs Conference Finals Hub
Sergei Bobrovsky continues to play well on the road, stopping 52 of 54 shots in Games 1 and 2 at Madison Square Garden and saving 25 of 27 shots in Game 5.
With Kreider getting his first Eastern Conference Final goal, he leads all players on New York's active roster in goals, assists, and points in the semifinal round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Kreider's ten goals and 21 points are tied with Vic Hadfield (27 GP) for the second most by a Rangers player in the pre-final round; Rod Gilbert (15 goals, 14 assists in 31 GP) leads both categories.
Both teams will meet in Game 6 on Saturday, June 1.
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