IN PHOTOS: Jimmy Butler rocks Florida Panthers jersey in warmup

Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler made waves by donning a Florida Panthers jersey during warmup. This came after the Panthers' thrilling 3-2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1 of the NHL Eastern Conference finals.

The city's spring sports scene has been nothing short of remarkable, with both the Heat and the Panthers making deep playoff runs and captivating fans across the world.

The Panthers and Hurricanes engaged in an intense back-and-forth battle, pushing the game into overtime. As the minutes ticked away, the players' legs grew weary, and the outcome seemed uncertain. However, in a moment of brilliance, Matthew Tkachuk seized an opportunity to secure another overtime victory for the Panthers.

Tkachuk's goal secured the win for the Panthers, placing them in a favorable position early in the conference finals. Amidst the excitement, it was Jimmy Butler who stole the spotlight by proudly wearing a Panthers jersey during warmup, displaying his support for the team.

Butler's decision to rock the Florida Panthers jersey in warmup resonated with fans, further fueling the excitement surrounding Miami's extraordinary sports scene.

With both the Heat and the Panthers making impressive playoff runs, the dream of a simultaneous championship for the two winter sports teams from the same metropolitan area suddenly feels within reach.

Miami's sports enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the next chapter in this remarkable journey. As Jimmy Butler and the Heat continue their NBA playoff push and the Florida Panthers defy expectations in the NHL, the possibility of a historic double championship becomes more tangible.

The city remains united, inspired, and ready to rally behind its beloved teams as they chase their championship aspirations.

Florida Panthers edge Carolina Hurricanes in epic Game 1 clash

The Carolina Hurricanes got off to a strong start in Game 1 of the NHL Eastern Conference finals as Seth Jarvis gave them a 1-0 lead late in the first period. However, the Florida Panthers responded in the second period when Aleksander Barkov equalized with a wrist shot.

Carter Verhaeghe then put the Panthers ahead 2-1 with a goal assisted by Anthony Duclair. The Hurricanes' Stefan Noesen fought back in the third period, leveling the score at 2-2 and sending the game into overtime.

After a disallowed goal by Ryan Lomberg due to goalie interference, the teams battled through three scoreless overtime periods. Ultimately, it was Matthew Tkachuk who emerged as the hero for the Panthers, scoring a wrist shot goal in the final seconds of the fourth overtime to secure a 3-2 victory.

Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky stood strong with an impressive 63 saves and a .969 save percentage, while Frederik Andersen of the Hurricanes made 57 saves.

The teams will face off again in Game 2 on Saturday at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina, as the intense playoff series continues.