By Troy Tyrell | Owner - Tsquared Personal Training |May 21, 2025

🐾 Panthers Claw Their Way to Game 1 Win Over Hurricanes

The Florida Panthers came out swinging in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final, toppling the Carolina Hurricanes 5–2 in Raleigh. Carter Verhaeghe opened the scoring, and Florida never looked back. Aaron Ekblad and Sam Bennett also joined the goal parade, with Sergei Bobrovsky making 31 saves and casually reminding us he's still a brick wall in goalie pads.

The Hurricanes, known for their “storm surge,” looked more like a light drizzle. Despite goals from Sebastian Aho and rookie Jackson Blake, they couldn’t keep up with Florida’s relentless pace. Game 2 is set for Thursday, May 22 in Raleigh. Will the Canes answer back, or is this series already headed south?

🧹 Western Showdown: Oilers vs. Stars Ready to Rock

The Edmonton Oilers are back in the Western Conference Final—and yes, Stuart Skinner is still their number one goalie, despite sending Oiler fans into cardiac arrest every couple of games. Coach Knoblauch has confirmed Skinner will start in Game 1 against the Dallas Stars on Thursday, May 23.

Let’s talk Dallas: Led by Jason Robertson and the ultra-calm Jake Oettinger in net, the Stars are deep, fast, and hungry. But here's something many might miss—the Dallas Stars are actually owned by a Vancouver-based family, the Gaglardis. That’s right: while they’re chasing the Cup in Texas, their ownership roots are sipping espresso just a stone’s throw from downtown Vancouver.

So Vancouver hockey fans, if the Canucks are out, maybe you’ve got a backup team?

Edmonton’s big guns—McDavid, Draisaitl, and Bouchard—are firing on all cylinders. The Oilers took down the Canucks in 7 games, which may or may not have involved a broom and pigs flying for Toronto fans watching their first second-round win in two decades.

🐷 Bonus Chuckle:

Yes, the Leafs actually made it past the first round. Scientists are still studying this, right after confirming a pig flew by with a broom in its hooves. As for Edmonton? With Skinner backstopping and McDavid skating like a caffeinated cheetah, anything is possible.

🗓️ Updated NHL Conference Finals Schedule

Eastern Conference Final (Panthers lead 1–0):

  • 🕗 Game 2: Panthers at Hurricanes — Thursday, May 22, 8 PM ET

Western Conference Final (Starts Thursday):

  • 🕗 Game 1: Oilers at Stars — Thursday, May 23, 8:30 PM ET

Broadcast: Sportsnet, CBC, TVA Sport

#Stanley Cup Playoffs #Panthers Vs Hurricanes #Oilers Vs Stars #Hockey Humour #NHL Playoffs 2025 #Canadian Hockey Fans #WBN News #Troy Tyrell

Written by Troy Tyrell
WBN Sports Contributor
Owner & Head Trainer – Tsquared Personal Training, Vancouver
🏋️ 20+ years helping Vancouver get stronger, one rep at a time
📍 Located at 180 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC
📞 (604) 250-9784
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