Panthers prepared for critical game 5 in New York

The Panthers at morning skate ahead of Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final (WPLG)

NEW YORK – The Florida Panthers know what’s at stake on Thursday night.

The Panthers and Rangers are tied at 2 in the Eastern Conference Final.

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The last three games of the series were decided in overtime.

Sam Reinhart had the game-winning goal in Game 4 to even the series.

Head coach Paul Maurice said Thursday, “There’s a sense from this team they’ve been preparing for the Playoffs the whole season. So that when you get there, there are now expectations... the expectation is different and there’s a greater sense of hope.”

After game 5 on Thursday, the series shifts back to Sunrise for Game 6 on Saturday night.

That will be an elimination game for one of the squads remaining.

During this long Playoff run, veterans like defenseman Aaron Ekblad are remembering to have a little fun.

Ekblad said, “I mean I love it. One of my favorite things to do is play poker in the team suite and on the plane. I think about those being the things that I’ll remember most about my time in the NHL.”


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