NEW YORK – Game 1 of the Eastern Conference final goes to the Florida Panthers, who defeated the New York Rangers 3-0 on Wednesday at Madison Square Garden. Sergei Bobrovsky earned a 23-save shutout, while Matthew Tkachuk, Carter Verhaeghe, and Sam Bennett scored the goals. Game 2 is scheduled for 8 p.m. on Friday.

The image captures Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad (#5) delivering a hit to New York Rangers left wing Artemi Panarin (#10) during the first period of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Ekblad appears to be applying physical pressure on Panarin, potentially disrupting the Rangers’ offensive play. The intensity of the game is palpable in the background, with players from both teams engaged in the action. This moment showcases the physicality and competitiveness characteristic of playoff hockey as both teams vie for a crucial win in the series.  Florida Panthers 3 New York Rangers 0

 

PANTHERS’ INSURANCE GOAL WAIVED OFF
Oliver Ekman-Larsson appeared to have doubled Florida’s lead 8:45 into the third period, but the goal was waived off due to goaltender interference. Although the interference was caused by New York’s Ryan Lindgren pushing Florida’s Ryan Lomberg into Igor Shesterkin, officials ruled that the contact was moot because Lomberg was already in the blue paint without a loose puck before the contact, leading to the overturning of the goal.

A RELATIVELY QUIET SECOND PERIOD
Apologies for the lack of updates during the middle frame, but the score remains 1-0 in favor of Florida after 40 minutes. The Rangers have 34 seconds left on a power play to start the third period, but the Panthers’ penalty kill has been solid in its first attempt. Florida leads 18-11 in shots on goal, with neither team managing more than 10 shots on goal in a given period.  Florida Panthers 3 New York Rangers 0

 

FIRST INTERMISSION THOUGHTS Florida Panthers 3 New York Rangers 0

The first period couldn’t have gone much better for the Panthers. Their defense remained steady, clogging lanes and limiting the Rangers’ scoring opportunities. New York managed just five shots on goal, with defenseman Braden Schneider’s breakaway late in the period being their best chance, hitting the right post. Some notable numbers from the period:
– Panthers lead shot attempts 23-18 (including 9-5 shots on goal and 10-7 in scoring chances)
– Both teams blocked seven shots, with Aaron Ekblad, Sam Reinhart, and Carter Verhaeghe each blocking two for Florida.
– Florida recorded 12 hits, with Sam Bennett leading the team with three.

 

MATTHEW TKACHUK OPENS SCORING FOR PANTHERS  Florida Panthers 3 New York Rangers 0

After a relatively quiet first 15 minutes, Matthew Tkachuk put the Panthers ahead with a wrist shot from just above the left circle, assisted by Gustav Forsling and Carter Verhaeghe, with 3:34 left in the period. It was Tkachuk’s fifth goal and team-leading 15th point of the playoffs.  Florida Panthers 3 New York Rangers 0

 

SERIES SCHEDULE
– Game 1: Tonight
– Game 2: Friday, Madison Square Garden, 8 p.m., ESPN, ESPN+
– Game 3: Sunday, May 26, Amerant Bank Arena, 3 p.m., ABC, ESPN+
– Game 4: Tuesday, Amerant Bank Arena, 8 p.m., ESPN, ESPN+
– Game 5 (if necessary): Thursday, May 30, Madison Square Garden, 8 p.m., ESPN, ESPN+
– Game 6 (if necessary): Saturday, June 1, Amerant Bank Arena, 8 p.m., ABC, ESPN+
– Game 7 (if necessary): Monday, June 3, Madison Square Garden, 8 p.m., ESPN, ESPN+

 

PREGAME READING  Florida Panthers 3 New York Rangers 0

Catch up ahead of Game 1 with highlights from the Miami Herald’s coverage:
– Matthew Tkachuk’s playoff contributions despite quieter moments
– The goaltending battle between Sergei Bobrovsky and Igor Shesterkin
– Bill Zito’s team-building philosophy
– Aleksander Barkov’s standout playoff performances
– Anton Lundell’s impact in crucial playoff situations
– Gustav Forsling’s emergence in the playoffs
– Oliver Ekman-Larsson’s appreciation for playoff success
– Three keys to Panthers’ success in the series
– Panthers’ composure during tense playoff moments

 

Florida Panthers 3 New York Rangers 0