The Daily: Panthers Sweep Carolina in Dramatic Fashion

There really couldn’t be any other way, right? Matthew Tkachuk buried the winner with less than five seconds left in the game and the Florida Panthers swept their way to the Stanley Cup Final. Florida Hockey Now’s George Richards writes that Tkachuk willed his way and his team’s to through not only the game, but the exciting run so far.

Go back a month. Not one analyst, pundit, or even the most hardcore fan saw this one coming. Yes, the Panthers won the President’s Trophy last year, but it’s been the presence of Tkachuk that has pushed the team over the top.

Meanwhile in the Western Conference Final, Vegas has the same opportunity to finish the job by sweeping a Jamie Benn-less Dallas Stars team tonight. Vegas Hockey Now’s Dan Kingerski writes that the Golden Knights wear t-shirts that read “it hurts to win.” They experienced it the hard way but won 4-0 while Benn finds himself suspended for two games .

Seems the Stars are the ones hurting as they are on the verge of elimination.

Blackhawks In Case You Missed It

• The fourth in the Rebuild Series: The 2019-20 season and the mirage that hid the Blackhawks true reality
• The Blackhawks Bottom Line series looks at Max Domi, who was traded to Dallas but was valuable to Chicago both on the team and through the trade
• Auston Matthews to Chicago can happen if he’s indeed a trade candidate. It also doesn’t have to include the first overall pick.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Don Sweeney is–and should–be a finalist for GM of the year. Boston Bruins

Buffalo: Kyle Okposo is re-signed for one more year. Buffalo Sabres

Calgary: Conroy vows changes, and optimism as he takes over for the Calgary Flames GM

Detroit: Michael Rasmussen had a great year for the Detroit Red Wings, despite the injury that kept him out the rest of the season.

Montreal: Potential buy-low targets for the Montreal Canadiens this offseason

Nashville: How will Ryan Johansen respond to Barry Trotz’ warning shot? Nashville Predators

Philadelphia: A look at prospect Zach Benson, who could very well be taken by the Philadelphia Flyers

Pittsburgh: What’s being heard, not heard, about the Pittsburgh Penguins‘ GM search

San Jose: Who should the San Jose Sharks target in the middle rounds of the draft?