MIAMI -- After traversing his way through a bustling event level at Kaseya Center in the hour leading up to tip-off between the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics in Game 6 of the NBA Eastern Conference Final on Saturday, Matthew Tkachuk was directed into a small dimly lit green room.

The moment he walked through the door, he was greeted by a larger-than-life figure.

With the Florida Panthers returning to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 1996, NHL Network's Billy Jaffe joins this week's episode of the Territory Talk podcast to talk about the team's incredible run, a few key players and share his general thoughts on the playoffs as well.

Plus, co-hosts Doug Plagens and Jameson Olive discuss Florida's quick sweep of the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final, Matthew Tkachuk's rising stardom and much more.

To listen to the episode click HERE.

SUNRISE, Fla. - Ryan Lomberg's first goal of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs came at a critical time for the Cats in the eventual series clinching game over the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday at FLA Live Arena.

After an injury in Game 3 of the opening round against Boston kept him out for eight games, the fast and gritty forward made his presence felt in the Eastern Conference Final with eight hits and a go-ahead goal in the second period of Game 4.

NEW YORK (May 25, 2023) - The National Hockey League today announced the schedule scenarios for the 2023 Stanley Cup Final, which will match the Florida Panthers against the winner of the Western Conference Final series between the Vegas Golden Knights and Dallas Stars.

Based on their higher regular-season point totals, either the Golden Knights or Stars will host Games 1 and 2 of the best-of-seven Stanley Cup Final, as well as Games 5 and 7, if necessary. The Panthers will host Games 3 and 4, as well as Game 6, if necessary.

SUNRISE, Fla. -- The Florida Panthers were in a playoff spot for only 28% of the regular season.

Soon, they'll account for 50% of the teams left standing in the NHL.

Advancing to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 1996, Matthew Tkachuk -- who else? -- scored on the power play with 4.7 seconds left in regulation to lead the Panthers to a wild 4-3 win and complete a stunning sweep of the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final.

SUNRISE, Fla. -- Don't pinch yourself too hard.

The Florida Panthers are heading to the Stanley Cup Final.

Getting back to the big dance for the first time since 1996, the Panthers completed their sweep of the Carolina Hurricanes with a thrilling 4-3 win in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Final at FLA Live Arena on Wednesday.

SUNRISE, Fla. - With tonight's 4-3 win over the Carolina Hurricanes at FLA Live Arena, the Florida Panthers have advanced to the 2023 Stanley Cup Final, defeating the Hurricanes four games to none in the Eastern Conference Final. The Panthers return to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 1996.

The Panthers downed three of the top four regular season teams in terms of points en route to the 2023 Stanley Cup Final. Florida first overcame a 3-1 series deficit in Round 1 to best the Presidents' Trophy winner Boston Bruins, who had earned the most single-season wins and points in NHL history. The Cats then defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs in five games to advance to the franchise's first conference final appearance since 1996. In the Eastern Conference Final, the Cats bested the Carolina Hurricanes in the first four-game sweep in franchise history. The Panthers won 11 of 12 games after falling to Boston in Game 4 of Round 1, and were 6-0 in overtimes throughout the first three rounds.

SUNRISE, Fla. -- You knew the captain wasn't going to miss this one.

Just one win away from reaching the Stanley Cup Final, superstar center Aleksander Barkov will be in the lineup for the Florida Panthers when they take their first shot at closing out the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Final at FLA Live Arena on Wednesday.

"Ready to roll," Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said. "Freshest guy on the ice."

SUNRISE, Fla. - The National Hockey League announced today that Florida Panthers General Manager Bill Zito has been named a finalist for the 2022-23 Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award presented annually 'to the general manager who best excelled in his role during the regular season.'

Following a record-breaking campaign in 2021-22 that featured the franchise's first-ever Presidents' Trophy and first playoff series victory since 1996, Zito immediately set to work on further improving the Panthers.

With the Florida Panthers racing out to a 3-0 series lead against the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final, forward Anton Lundell joins this week's episode of the Territory Talk podcast to talk about the team's playoff epic run, the mood in the locker room, and much more!

To listen to the episode click HERE.