The Florida Panthers Knock off the New York Rangers in Six Games
The Florida Panthers win the Prince of Wales Trophy after taking down the New York Rangers in six games. The Cats return to the Stanley Cup Finals for the second straight year.
How It Happened
The Rangers controlled the beginning of the game with constant zone time and shot attempts. However, as the period progressed, Florida took over and capitalized with 50 seconds remaining in the first as Sam Bennett sniped the top corner on Igor Shesterkin for the game's first goal.
After a scoreless second period, the Panthers got an insurance goal midway through the third from their trade deadline acquisition and former Ranger, Vladimir Tarasenko.
With their net empty and time not on their side, the Rangers cut into the Florida lead with a goal from Artemi Panarin with 1:20 left on the clock. However, the Blueshirts' comeback attempt would fall short and the Panthers would survive with a 2-1 win.
Analyzing The Series
To put it in the most simple way possible. The better team won the series. Point blank.
The Panthers seemed more hungry for every puck, every block attempt, and just every aspect of the game. Their forecheck was relentless, they never took a shift off, and the Rangers could not adjust to the constant pressure.
The lack of offensive chances was concerning throughout the entire series. New York outshot the Panthers in only one of the six games and eclipsed 25+ shots in just two games. It is already hard to get pucks past the two-time winner and finalist for this year’s Vezina Trophy in Sergei Bobrovsky, but it is even harder when you aren’t even testing him.
Production from stars is also a big reason why the Rangers could not get the job done. Their big offensive weapons, Chris Kreider, Artemi Panarin, and Mika Zibanejad, disappeared the entire series and combined for two goals. Their defensemen were also shaky, especially K’Andre Miller, Braden Schneider, and their captain, Jacob Trouba.
The positive side when it comes to production for New York is Alexis Lafrenière has emerged onto the scene as someone who can be a problem for netminders going forward. The 22-year-old had eight goals, four against Florida, and six assists in 16 playoff games.
When looking at the Panthers, their stars showed up big time. The team's leading goal scorer in the regular season, Sam Reinhart, buried three goals in the series. Carter Verhaeghe continued his playoff tear with three goals as well. Matthew Tkachuk contributed with five points and a +3 rating. Sam Bennett delivered the entire series with goals in three straight games, four in total, and a +4 rating.
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So what is the result of all of this? Constant Florida pressure, minimal scoring chances for the Rangers, and stars not stepping up. The answer. Shesterkin having to stand on his head the entire series.
His performance will be overlooked because his team was eliminated, but the Russian goaltender had an all-time playoff showing. In 16 playoff games, Shesty had a 10-6 record, allowed 39 goals, 2.34 GAA, and had a .926 save percentage. He made countless clutch saves in every game and kept the Blueshirts in every contest. His .926 save percentage puts him 10th all-time in Rangers playoff history.
With all that being said, the Rangers 2023-24 season is officially over as the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers will battle it out for the Cup. Now it is time to look ahead to the offseason and look to improve for next year’s run.