Florida's Sunrise Matthew Tkachuk's power-play goal with 4.9 seconds left completed Florida's sweep of the Carolina Hurricanes and sent the Panthers to their first Stanley Cup Final in 27 years.
Game 4's 4-3 win earned the Panthers their first postseason series sweep. Florida will play in its second Cup Final since 1996. The Vegas Golden Knights-Dallas Stars series winner awaits.
The Prince of Wales Trophy was presented by NHL senior vice president Brian Jennings. Florida captain Aleksander Barkov grabbed it and skated away after photographs. Some teams touch.
After Sergei Bobrovsky's 32-save shutout in Game 3, the Panthers had an opportunity to eliminate the Hurricanes. Wednesday's 36 saves by Florida's goaltender were impressive. Carolina could extend the series as Frederik Andersen stopped 21 sho
Free agency, draft preparations for Hurricanes and other eliminated clubs are key to the offseason.
Florida took a 1-0 lead 41 seconds into Game 4 when Anthony Duclair beat Andersen in a scramble in front of Carolina's net.
Tkachuk gave Florida a 2-0 lead on the penalty play after Sebastian Aho was called for interfering, the first time a team has a two-goal lead in this series in over 14 periods.
Carolina captain Jordan Staal's tripping call handed Florida a power play. With 4.9 seconds, Tkachuk beat Andersen. Carolina coach Rod Brind'Amour challenged the play for goalkeeper interference, but Tkachuk's goal sent Florida to the Cup Final.