Panthers’ Three-Word Message Perfectly Captures Lightning Elimination…
The Florida Panthers wrapped up their first-round playoff series against the Tampa Bay Lightning with a decisive 6–3 win on the road in Game 5 Wednesday night, knocking out their state rivals for the second straight year. Eetu Luostarinen led the way with a four-point night (one goal, three assists) and was named the game’s first star as Florida advanced to the second round for the fourth postseason in a row.
Shortly after the victory, the Panthers shared a witty three-word post on X: “Clear skies ahead,” along with an image of a panther holding a crystal bottle containing a lightning bolt—a playful dig at Tampa Bay’s elimination and a creative spin on the phrase “lightning in a bottle.”
Tampa Bay struck first in the game, but the Panthers quickly responded, tying it within minutes and taking the lead just ten minutes into the first period. The game was locked at 3–3 before Sam Bennett, Luostarinen, and Sam Reinhart scored three unanswered goals, putting the game—and series—out of reach.
Florida coach Paul Maurice praised the competitive nature of the matchup, calling both squads “very competitive men” and acknowledging the added intensity due to their recent playoff history and rivalry. “Both teams are in their prime… legitimate contenders,” he said.
Having now eliminated the Lightning in consecutive postseasons, the defending Eastern Conference champions continue their push toward a third straight Stanley Cup Final. Lightning coach Jon Cooper acknowledged the shift in momentum: “It was our turn from 2020 to 2022. Now, it’s theirs.”
The Panthers will take on either the Toronto Maple Leafs or Ottawa Senators in the next round. Toronto leads that series 3–2 heading into Game 6 on Thursday.
