Looking Back At Some Of The Best Panthers Playoff Moments
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The Florida Panthers and the Stanley Cup Playoffs haven't crossed paths much during the team's 23 years of existence.
The Panthers have only made the playoffs five times and just once in the last 16 years.
But times they are a-changin' in Sunrise as the new-look Panthers appear to be built for long-term success.
They won the Atlantic Division title this season, reaching new franchise records in wins (47) and points (103).
Before Florida hosts the New York Islanders in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Quarterfinals, let's take a look back at some of the better moments from the Panthers few playoff appearances.
Florida's First Ever Playoff Game, Three Goals In Under 90 Seconds
The Panthers stormed out the gate in the team's first ever playoff game, jumping all over Boston Bruins goaltender Bill Ranford and electrifying the Miami Arena crowd. Ray Sheppard, Mike Hough and Jody Hull scored the Florida goals, leaving Boston in a state of shock as rats hit the ice in waves.
Bill Lindsay's Diving Game Winning Goal In 1996 Quarterfinals
With the game tied late in Game 5 of the opening round series against Boston, Bill Lindsay would score a goal that would live on in Panthers lore forever. Lindsay sped past Hall of Fame defenseman Ray Borque and despite being tripped, dove for the puck and tapped it through Ranford's legs for the series-winning goal.
Tom Fitzgerald Scores The Winning Goal In Game 7 Of The Conference Finals
After winning Game 6 at home to force a Game 7, the Panthers traveled up to Pittsburgh for a game that few thought they would win. Tom Fitzgerald broke a 1-1 tie halfway through the 3rd period with a blistering slap shot over the blocker of Penguins goalie Tom Barrasso.
The Rats Rain Down When Ray Sheppard Opens The Scoring In Game 3 Of The Stanley Cup Finals
At home for the first time in the Stanley Cup Finals, Panthers fans were ready with tons of rats and the ice nearly turned from white to black after Ray Sheppard opened the scoring in Game 3. Credit to Avalanche goalie Patrick Roy who stood there and took the rat-punishment like a man.
Here Come The Rats Again...After Florida's First Playoff Win In 15 Years
Just two days shy of 15 years since the franchise's last playoff win, the Panthers took down the Devils in Game 2 of the 2012 Quarterfinals and the amount of rats that hit the ice was something that hadn't been seen since 1996.
Marcel Goc's Game-Tying Goal Late In Game 7 Of 2012 Quarterfinals
Trying to claw back from a late two-goal deficit, the Panthers forced overtime in Game 7 thanks to a power play goal by Marcel Goc. The BB&T Center exploded, it was an amazing moment.
