"Just the better team": Paul Bissonnette picks his favorite between Florida Panthers and New York Rangers after Game 5 

By Abhishek Dilta

Modified May 31, 2024 04:25 GMT

Former NHLer Paul Bissonnette picked his favorite team between the Florida Panthers and New York Rangers after Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals series on Thursday.

The Panthers silenced Madison Square Garden after beating the Rangers 3-2 to clinch Game 5 and take a 3-2 lead in the series. The Cats are one win short of advancing to the 2024 Stanley Cup final for the second consecutive season.

Last term, they moved to the final after sweeping the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference finals. However, in the final, the Panthers were beaten by the Vegas Golden Knights, who won their first title in the process.

Paul Bissonnette took to X (formerly Twitter) and praised the Florida Panthers for their strong performance at MSG, calling them a dominant team. He emphasized that the Panthers are the better team in the series but also acknowledged the Rangers' potential, indicating that they shouldn't be underestimated.

Here's what Bissonnette said:

"What a performance by Florida at MSG. Just a wagon. The real deal. Still can’t count out the Rangers. Florida is just the better team", Bissonnette on X wrote.

The Rangers now face a significant challenge as they are on the verge of being eliminated from the playoffs after a narrow 3-2 defeat in Game 5.

With a 3-2 series deficit, having lost two games in a row, the Blueshirts must win Game 6 at Amerant Bank Arena on Saturday and then secure a win at home in Game 7 to advance to their first Stanley Cup final since 2014.

The Panthers host the Rangers at Amerant Bank for Game 6 at 8 p.m. ET.

Florida Panthers' Sam Bennett reflects on Game 5 win

Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett notched up two points in the matchup. In the post-game media interactions, he highlighted the Panthers' performance in the playoffs, emphasizing their consistent gameplay throughout the season.

Bennett reckoned the importance of quick recovery and mental preparation for the upcoming crucial Game 6 at home after the win over the New York Rangers in Game 5. He said (via Sportsnet on X):

"I mean, we just shown it all playoffs. We played our game, and you know, that's just what we've done all year," Sam Bennett said after the game. It's just, you know, start recovering. It's quick, quick turnaround. You know, we got to travel, but to start recovering and mentally preparing for a big Game 6."

Gustav Forsling and Anton Lundell were the other scorers for the Florida Panthers in the matchup. Sergei Bobrovsky made some crucial saves throughout the game and ended the night with 25 saves and a.926 SV%.