The Florida Panthers are just one victory away from reaching their third consecutive Stanley Cup Final after a hard-fought seven-game series against the Toronto Maple Leafs. To earn their spot, the Panthers must now face the Carolina Hurricanes, a team entering the Eastern Conference Final significantly more rested.
Florida showcased their playoff strength with a dominant 6-1 win in Game 7 in Toronto. That performance highlighted the Panthers` capabilities when they are playing at their peak level across the board.
Their offense featured contributions from multiple players, including newcomer Brad Marchand. On defense, Seth Jones stepped up his game to provide a key impact from the blue line, and Sergei Bobrovsky delivered crucial saves early in the game. When playing with this level of execution, the Panthers become incredibly difficult to defeat.
However, this challenge might not faze the Hurricanes, who have cruised through the initial two rounds of the playoffs with an impressive 8-2 record. Typical of Rod Brind`Amour`s coaching philosophy, Carolina has maintained a tight defensive structure, allowing a mere 18 goals over 10 games.
A key difference for the Hurricanes this postseason has been the increased offensive production from their top forwards. Andrei Svechnikov has already netted eight goals, while Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis are averaging a point per game. For Carolina to succeed in this Eastern Final, they will need their offense to sustain this level of performance against a much tougher defensive opponent.
The last time these two teams met in the Eastern Conference Final was in 2023, a series where the Panthers swept the Hurricanes. Carolina is anticipated to offer a much more competitive series this year.
Where to Watch Game 1
Date: Tuesday, May 20
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Lenovo Center — Raleigh, North Carolina
TV: TNT, truTV
Stream: fubo
Eastern Conference Final Schedule
All times Eastern
- Game 1: Tuesday, May 20 | 8 p.m. | at CAR | TNT, truTV, Max
- Game 2: Thursday, May 22 | 8 p.m. | at CAR | TNT, truTV, Max
- Game 3: Saturday, May 24 | 8 p.m. | at FLA | TNT, truTV, Max
- Game 4: Monday, May 26 | 8 p.m. | at FLA | TNT, truTV, Max
- *Game 5: Wednesday, May 28 | 8 p.m. | at CAR | TNT, truTV, Max
- *Game 6: Friday, May 30 | 8 p.m. | at FLA | TNT, truTV, Max
- *Game 7: Sunday, June 1 | 8 p.m. | at CAR | TNT, truTV, Max
* If necessary
Game 1 Prediction
Given the Panthers` recent grueling series against the Maple Leafs, the well-rested Hurricanes are likely to have an edge, especially playing on home ice in Game 1. Carolina`s fresh legs could provide their deep forward group with extra energy, allowing them to control play in the offensive zone and wear down the Panthers. After establishing a lead, the Hurricanes are expected to utilize their strong defensive system to secure the win and take a 1-0 series advantage.
Predicted Score: Hurricanes 3, Panthers 1
Elton Marrow 
Torin Vale