Late goal sends Panthers to Eastern Conference Finals

While Forsling played hero, the Panthers' real standout in Game 6 might have been netminder Sergei Bobrovsky. 

Aside from giving up the game's first goal, Bobrovsky was more than solid between the pipes. He made only 23 saves but turned away several high-percentage chances throughout, including a few stops that turned the momentum in Florida's favor.

With the Panthers trailing by a goal near the midway point of the second period, Bobrovsky stoned Justin Brazeau. Only 53 seconds later, Anton Lundell fired a wrister past Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman, tying the game at one. 

Then, in the third, Bobrovsky was a stonewall, keeping the Bruins off the scoreboard while setting the stage for Forsling's game-winner. 

Many would argue that the series might have been different had Bruins captain Brad Marchand not missed Game 4 and Game 5 after taking a hit-up high from Panthers forward Sam Bennett in Game 3. But Boston had its chances in Game 6.

The Panthers outpaced the Bruins by only five shots (28-23), while the two teams combined for 79 hits and 46 blocked shots on Friday night. 

In the end, Florida won the battle of attrition, netting a goal late to send Boston home.  

Now, the Panthers move on to the Eastern Conference Finals, facing the New York Rangers, who advanced past the Carolina Hurricanes in six games with a victory on Thursday. Florida won the season series against the Rangers, going 2-0-1 in three games.

But the atmosphere will be much different with a trip to the Stanley Cup Finals on the line.