SUNRISE, Fla.—There was a wide range of emotions that the Florida Panthers all enjoyed in the immediate aftermath of securing their first conference finals trip in 27 years.
Extreme joy and elation at first. Then a quieter, more contemplative celebration. And then, exhaustion.
“They get to enjoy it,” Panthers coach Paul Maurice said Saturday, “until the puck drops again.”
Dominated in the second round last year. Dominators in the second round this year. Florida’s offseason of risk has officially paid off. The Panthers are headed to the Eastern Conference Final for the first time since 1996, after beating Toronto 3–2 in overtime on Friday night to finish off another playoff stunner….