Panthers provided fans with late slips after four-OT thriller
Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final ended just before 2:00 a.m. ET., which meant a late night for the players and spectators. However, for Florida Panthers fans who might've been late for work or school on Friday, the team covered them, providing excuse notes via social media.
The note left space for the fan's name, school or place of employment, along with the reason for their tardiness.
"As you are probably aware, our Game 1 in the Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes went into four (4) overtime periods, and they had to stay up late to support the Cats," the note read.
The following morning was probably more bearable for Panthers fans after a 3-2 win, but the night was nearly much longer for all involved. Already deep into the fourth OT, the Panthers and Hurricanes seemed destined for a remarkable fifth extra session. However, the Panthers pounced on a turnover in the Hurricanes' end, leading to a Matthew Tkachuk game-winner with 12.7 seconds left.
The Panthers and Hurricanes played 79 minutes and 47 seconds of overtime alone in Game 1, making it the sixth-longest contest in Stanley Cup Playoff history.
Neither team will get much rest after the marathon Game 1, with Game 2 quickly approaching on Saturday. Hopefully, for the sake of themselves and hockey fans everywhere, the Panthers and Hurricanes will wrap up their next conference final tilt in a more timely fashion.
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