Playoff Teams Advance in Thursday Night NHL Action

Why it matters locally: Florida residents will be keenly interested in the news that the Florida Panthers secured a series victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning, ensuring one of the state's professional hockey teams advances further in the NHL playoffs.

The Florida Panthers defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 6-1, securing their series victory. Sam Reinhart led the Panthers with two goals and an assist. Carter Verhaeghe contributed one goal and two assists for Florida. Anthony Cirelli scored the lone goal for the Lightning. The Colorado Avalanche advanced after a 6-3 win over the Winnipeg Jets. Valeri Nichushkin scored his seventh goal of the series for the Avalanche. Mikko Rantanen added one goal and two assists. Cale Makar recorded three assists. Kyle Connor scored two goals for the Jets. Playoff scoring leaders include Nathan MacKinnon with 10 points (2 goals, 8 assists). Makar follows with nine points (2 goals, 7 assists). Nichushkin leads goal-scorers with seven. Carolina and Boston each hold a 3-2 series lead. Vancouver holds a 3-2 series lead. Dallas leads its series 3-2. Edmonton and Los Angeles are tied 2-2.