The Panthers were up against a very, very good team in the Eastern Conference First Round, a Lightning team that many picked to make -- or win -- the Stanley Cup Final. And instead of falling, instead of even a stretched-out,

Defending champion Florida Panthers take first step toward repeat bid Wednesday night by eliminating the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 5.

With a 6-3 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Panthers advance to the second round of the playoffs for the fourth straight season, where they will await the winner of the Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Ottawa Senators series.