Sam Bennett, Panthers Hyped By NHL Fans in Win vs. Hurricanes to Take 2-0 ECF Lead

The Florida Panthers battled in a seven-game series with the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second round, but its been shear dominance so far against the Carolina Hurricanes.

After a 5-2 win over Carolina in Game 1, Florida was even better in a 5-0 victory in Game 2.

Gustav Forsling scored just a minute into the game, and that set the tone for what would be a beatdown of the Hurricanes by the Panthers. Matthew Tkachuk and Sam Bennett added a goal each in the first period to take an early 3-0 lead.

Bennett scored again in the second period before Aleksander Barkov tipped in the fifth goal of the night to put the finishing touches on the crushing win.

Fans had high praise for the Panthers after they took a 2-0 series lead.

Coming into the postseason, it was clear the Panthers were capable of competing for the Stanley Cup trophy, but they were by no means a lock to win it. After the series again the Maple Leafs, Florida looked good, yet vulnerable.

Now, just two games into the Eastern Conference Finals, the question appears to be not if the Panthers will win the Stanley Cup, but how many games it will take them to win it.

A 2-0 deficit is by no means insurmountable for Carolina, but after being outscored 10-2 at home in the first two games, the odds of a comeback seem slim.

Up next, the series will head to Florida for Games 3 and 4, and the Panthers will have the chance to pick up a sweep on home ice.

If they can manage to win the series in just four games, they should be well-rested for the Stanley Cup Finals against either the Dallas Stars or Edmonton Oilers.