The Florida Panthers defeated the Carolina Hurricanes by a 5-0 final score in their Game 2 matchup on May 22. With this, the Panthers now lead the Hurricanes 2-0 in their Eastern Conference Final series.
Former Tampa Bay Lightning forward Carter Verhaeghe played a significant role in the Panthers' Game 2 victory, as he put together a strong performance. The 29-year-old recorded three primary assists on the night and tied a Panthers record in the process.
According to the NHL Network, this was the fourth time that Verhaeghe has recorded at least three points in a playoff game. With this, the former Lightning forward has tied Matthew Tkachuk for the most three-point playoff games in Panthers history.
Verhaeghe has become well-known for his clutch post-season play since joining the Panthers, and tying this Panthers team record only demonstrates that further. In 14 post-season games this year, he now has five goals, 13 points, and a plus-4 rating. He has also recorded 29 goals and 63 points in 69 games over the last four post-seasons with Florida.
Verhaeghe played his first NHL season with the Lightning during the 2019-20 season, where he won the Stanley Cup. In 52 regular-season games as a Bolt that year, he posted nine goals and 13 points. His time with the Lightning ended during the 2020 off-season, as Tampa Bay did not tender him a qualifying offer and he became an unrestricted free agent. From there, he has signed with the Panthers and has since blossomed into a star.
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