Panthers Relishing 1st Trip to NHL’s Conference Finals in 27 Years

Florida Panthers forward Nick Cousins (21) celebrates after his winning goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs during overtime of Game 5 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup second-round playoff series in Toronto on May 12, 2023. Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP

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.