The Florida Panthers have seized an early 1-0 advantage in the Eastern Conference Final series against the Carolina Hurricanes. Demonstrating no signs of fatigue just two days after a decisive Game 7 victory in Toronto, the Panthers delivered a convincing 5-2 win in the opening game.
As expected, scoring space was limited for both teams throughout the contest. However, the Panthers managed to find slightly more openings, particularly near the net. This proved crucial when Carter Verhaeghe netted the first goal for Florida.
While on the power play, Verhaeghe received the puck in the low slot, moved to his backhand, and skillfully lifted a perfect shot over the shoulder of Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen, giving the Panthers a 1-0 lead.
Verhaeghe finished the night with two points, matching the contribution of Evan Rodrigues, who assisted on Aaron Ekblad`s first-period goal. Ekblad, coming off a strong series against the Maple Leafs, also found the back of the net with a shot that deflected off the post and in behind Andersen.
Throughout their impressive playoff run, the Panthers have received significant contributions from their entire lineup, a trend that continued in Tuesday`s game. A.J. Greer, Sam Bennett, and Eetu Luostarinen added the remaining three goals for Florida.
Despite the strong offensive performance, the Panthers did not need to rely solely on scoring thanks to exceptional goaltending. Sergei Bobrovsky faced 33 shots from the Hurricanes and stopped 31, continuing his outstanding form.
On the opposing side, the Hurricanes struggled to establish consistent offense against the Panthers` stout defense. While Carolina`s attack was effective in the first two rounds against the Capitals and Devils, Florida presented a significantly tougher defensive challenge.
Carolina`s first goal, scored by Sebastian Aho, was somewhat controversial. With less than a minute remaining in the first period, Aho redirected the puck into the net using the back of his skate. The goal was upheld after a video review determined there was no distinct kicking motion.
That contentious goal proved to be a rare highlight for the Hurricanes in Tuesday`s game. Frederik Andersen endured a particularly difficult outing in net. While the Hurricanes` defense was not terrible, allowing only 20 shots on goal, five of those managed to get past Andersen.
Following this loss, the Hurricanes` losing streak in Eastern Conference Final games has now reached 13, a streak dating back to the 2009 playoffs. They will aim to end this skid in Game 2 on Thursday, but the confident Panthers will undoubtedly provide a strong challenge.
Torin Vale 
Elton Marrow