Florida Panthers set sights on Stanley Cup victory as Charlotte Checkers move toward Calder Cup Final
T
he Florida Panthers are pursuing their much-awaited Stanley Cup win and their AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers, are making history on their own in the Calder Cup Playoffs.
For the first time since coming together in 2020, both teams are within reach of championship glory—an accomplishment that could replicate an unusual feat unseen in almost 30 years in professional hockey.
Charlotte Checkers overwhelm
Laval Rocket
to sit one win shy of Calder Cup Final
undefined
The Florida Panthers may not be the only team in the playoffs spotlight, as the Charlotte Checkers are within a win of heading to the Calder Cup Final with a 5-1 thumping of the Laval Rocket in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
On Sunday, the team effort was visible with Riley Bezeau scoring twice, including one during a four-goal second period, as John Leonard, Will Lockwood, and Sandis Vilmanis also scored to make the game far out of reach for the AHL affiliate Laval Rocket of the Montreal Canadiens.
Goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen was again phenomenal with 22 saves, supporting Charlotte to its seventh consecutive playoff victory. The Checkers have now scored 15-4 in this best-of-seven series against Laval.
'Our guys have done it all year,'' Charlotte Checkers head coach Geordie Kinnear said.
'That's a great team,'' Bezeau said. 'They finished first in their division; they're not going to go away, and we know that. We've just got to stick to our game plan and keep going.'
If Charlotte sweeps the series at home Tuesday night, and if the Florida Panthers keep their Stanley Cup Final quest alive, the two teams might duplicate a task last accomplished in 1995 when the New Jersey Devils and Albany River Rats captured the Stanley Cup and Calder Cup, respectively.
Meanwhile in the Western Conference, the Abbotsford Canucks lead 2-0 against the Texas Stars and the series heads to Austin for Game 3.
Also read:
Brad Marchand eyes the second Stanley Cup in a career-redefining run with the Florida Panthers
As the Florida Panthers eye a Stanley Cup championship, the Charlotte Checkers are forging an equally impressive argument for a Calder Cup Final appearance. If both teams win their respective titles, it would be a historic double victory for the organization, helping to make this year one of the most successful in Florida's hockey history.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
16 hours ago
- Time of India
Controversy brews as Panthers consider benching $9.5M star Matthew Tkachuk to fix salary cap woes
Florida Panthers, fresh off their Stanley Cup win, are facing salary cap challenges and Matthew Tkachuk's injury might offer a solution. (Getty Images) The Florida Panthers, stepped off another Stanley Cup win, face salary cap challenges. Star forward Matthew Tkachuk's injury could offer a solution. Placing him on long-term injured reserve would create cap relief, though he battled injuries across last season's championship run. Matthew Tkachuk injury opens door for Panthers' salary cap workaround Even as the champagne corks settle from their consecutive Stanley Cup triumph, the Florida Panthers' management faces pressing financial decisions. It's the hockey offseason, but for the front office, the work is far from over. A consequential hurdle looms: the team's current payroll surpasses the salary cap by a notable $3.75 million, a figure confirmed by Puck Pedia. This means the Panthers must strategically reduce their financial commitments to align with league regulations. — BleacherReport (@BleacherReport) One particularly impactful avenue for achieving cap consent revolves around key forward Matthew Tkachuk, whose contract carries a hefty $9.5 million impact on the team's salary structure. The possibility of his injury playing a role in this decision has been raised. Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos, in his assessment of Florida's cap situation, put forth a compelling idea: 'If Tkachuk were to miss the beginning of the season and be out for a while, the Panthers would be able to get under the cap by putting his contract on LTIR.' This maneuver, placing a player on the long-term injured reserve, offers the distinct advantage of allowing a team to briefly exceed the salary cap. Matthew Tkachuk's groin injury could become Panthers' financial lifeline Matthew Tkachuk, a true competitor, played through significant injuries during the 2024-25 season, including a torn adductor and hernia sustained at the 4 Nations Face-Off. His dedication was vital to the Panthers' second consecutive Stanley Cup. In the 2025 Final, he bestowed three goals and seven assists. Tkachuk's substantial $9.5 million cap hit is a key factor, with Aleksander Barkov ($10 million), Sam Reinhart ($8.625 million), and Sam Bennett ($8 million, recently signed extension) also having large contracts. The Panthers face a tough offseason dilemma: balancing their championship roster with salary cap constraints, potentially relying on Matthew Tkachuk's injury status to navigate their financial tightrope. Also Read: Brad Marchand's disrespectful celebration resurfaces as Panthers clinch Cup — Canucks fans furious FAQs 1. Why are the Panthers considering placing Matthew Tkachuk on LTIR? To create cap relief, as his $9.5M salary could help offset their $3.75M cap overage. 2. Is Matthew Tkachuk seriously injured? Tkachuk has been dealing with lingering groin issues since the 4 Nations Face-Off and the playoffs. 3. Could this move be seen as salary cap manipulation? Some critics believe using LTIR for Tkachuk's injury might be a strategic loophole rather than necessity. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Connor McDavid contract delay worries 91-year-old hockey icon Stan Fischler: Is he losing faith in Oilers?
Connor McDavid's contract delay sparks growing concern (Image via: Getty Images) Connor McDavid 's contract situation is quickly becoming one of the biggest storylines in the NHL offseason. With just one year remaining on his eight-year, $100 million deal, the Edmonton Oilers captain is eligible for an extension—but no deal has been announced. Now, 91-year-old hockey historian Stan Fischler is raising eyebrows, questioning what's causing the holdup. Stan Fischler's comments spark concern among Oilers fans Stan Fischler, a respected voice in hockey for over seven decades, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express concern over the delay in McDavid's contract talks. 'Has The Maven missed the @EdmontonOilers re-signing of #ConnorMcDavid? And if I haven't slept through it, what's taking so long?' he wrote, speculating if it's about 'moolah, term,' or if McDavid still doubts the Oilers are building a true Stanley Cup contender. Fischler's comments have fueled speculation across the hockey world. Why hasn't the face of the NHL committed to Edmonton long-term? With unrestricted free agency looming in 2026, fans and analysts alike are wondering if McDavid is second-guessing his future with the franchise. Possible reasons Connor McDavid is holding off on re-Signing Despite having one of the most talented cores in the league with Leon Draisaitl, Evan Bouchard, and Zach Hyman, the Oilers have fallen short of a Stanley Cup. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like My 4-year-old kidneys are failing, only you can help Donate For Health Donate Now Undo They reached the Western Conference Final and the Stanley Cup Final in recent years, but haven't gotten over the hump. McDavid is known for his competitive drive and desire to win. At age 28, he's in the prime of his career. If he feels the Oilers' window is closing or that the management isn't doing enough, he may be buying time to assess his options. Reports suggest that McDavid is in no rush to sign, preferring to wait and see how things unfold next season. That uncertainty could prove costly for the Oilers if contract talks don't progress soon. FAQs Why hasn't Connor McDavid signed a contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers yet? Connor McDavid is reportedly in no rush to sign an extension as he evaluates the Oilers' direction. Despite being eligible, negotiations appear to be on hold as he likely wants assurance the team can truly contend for a Stanley Cup. When does Connor McDavid become a free agent? McDavid is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2026, following the final season of his current eight-year, $100 million contract with the Edmonton Oilers. What did Stan Fischler say about McDavid's contract delay? 91-year-old hockey historian Stan Fischler questioned the delay on X (formerly Twitter), suggesting McDavid might be doubting the Oilers' ability to build a Stanley Cup-winning roster rather than just another playoff contender. What's next for Edmonton Oilers and Connor McDavid? The Oilers face immense pressure. If they fail to lock down McDavid in the next year, they risk losing a generational talent in free agency. For now, the hockey world waits, and voices like Fischler's will only grow louder as the silence drags on. Also Read: Connor McDavid contract delay raises eyebrows, but NHL Insider says Oilers are confident in long-term deal This contract delay could define the next era of Edmonton Oilers hockey and possibly reshape the NHL landscape. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Stanley Cup travels from Florida to Canada, making stops to motivate fans along the way
Stanley Cup (via Getty Images) The Stanley Cup is known for being many things—a symbol of victory, style, and emotions. It continues its classic championship parade following the Florida Panthers' record-breaking win and the current tour already has some touching moments. From Matthew Tkachuk's birthplace in St. Louis to Brian Riedel's Wisconsin origins, the Stanley Cup seems to be making emotional stops all over North America before returning to Canada with Jonah Gadjovich. Stanley Cup stops at children's hospitals, first responders, and local fans on North American tour Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk brought the legendary trophy to his hometown of St. Louis recently and made a special visit to St. Louis Children's Hospital. The NHL sensation spent time with sick kids, taking photos and allowing them to touch the aura of hockey's Holy Grail. Matthew Tkachuk didn't leave it at that. He also honored local responders and stopped at his hometown favorite, OB Clark's—a home for the St. Louis hockey community. These are personal touches that indicate how players, such as Matthew Tkachuk, are utilizing their time with the Stanley Cup to return the favor in some way. Matthew Tkachuk's 2nd Day with the Stanley Cup Brian Riedel takes the Stanley Cup back to Wisconsin The next stop on the Cup's cross-country tour was Wisconsin, where it arrived with Florida Panthers athletic trainer Brian Riedel. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Libas Purple Days Sale Libas Undo A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Riedel made an emotional stop at UW-Health's American Family Children's Hospital in Madison. 'I know some of these kids are going through some hard times, so just to put a smile on their face is all we want to do today and give them something to look at and admire and hopefully inspire them to be a Stanley Cup champion someday,' Brian Riedel told WMTV. Brian Riedel has played a key behind-the-scenes role in both of the Florida Panthers' championship runs. Before joining the NHL club, he was the head athletic trainer for the Hershey Bears, the American Hockey League affiliate. Jonah Gadjovich to share Stanley Cup with hometown crowd in Whitby, Ontario Florida Panthers forward Jonah Gadjovich will be bringing the Cup home to his hometown of Whitby, Ontario, on Tuesday. Jonah Gadjovich also plans to hold a public session where he'll reunite with other alumni members of the Whitby Minor Hockey Association. Also read: Connor McDavid's next team already decided? Report suggests one Stanley Cup contender has the edge For the Florida Panthers and their fans, the legacy of this victory will endure not only in books about history but also in the hearts of people in communities throughout North America. FAQs When was the Stanley Cup trophy commissioned? 1892 Who was it named after? Lord Stanley of Preston What is so special about Stanley cups? It is one of the oldest and most prestigious awards in professional sports. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
