Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals proved to be a strong start for the Florida Panthers, contrasting sharply with the outcome for the Carolina Hurricanes.
With a convincing 5-2 victory in the series opener, the Panthers have taken a 1-0 lead heading into Game 2, scheduled for Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET on TNT.
Can the Hurricanes bounce back and level the series before it shifts to South Florida? Which players are poised to play pivotal roles for their respective teams? Here`s a look at key players, matchup insights, and relevant statistics ahead of Game 2, compiled from ESPN Research.
Matchup Notes
Florida Panthers vs Carolina Hurricanes
Game 2 | 8 p.m. ET | TNT
Following their Game 1 win and taking a 1-0 series advantage, the Panthers are now favored at -250 to win the Eastern Conference finals, according to ESPN BET. The Hurricanes` odds are set at +200. For the Stanley Cup, the Panthers currently hold the shortest odds at +160, while the Hurricanes have the longest among the remaining teams at +500.
The Panthers have demonstrated remarkable success on the road this postseason, scoring 38 goals in their first eight away games. This figure ties the 2022 Avalanche for the most road goals through the first eight away games in a single postseason in NHL history. Over their last three road contests, Florida has outscored opponents 17-4, with the 17 goals marking a franchise record for a three-game road span in a single playoff year.
The Hurricanes` loss in Game 1 extends their skid in the conference finals to 13 straight losses, dating back to 2009. This unfortunate streak is the longest in NHL history for the round immediately preceding the Stanley Cup Final, surpassing the Toronto Maple Leafs` record of 10 consecutive losses between 1954 and 1956.
Aaron Ekblad`s goal in Game 1 brought the Panthers` total from defensemen this postseason to 12. This is four more goals than any other team has received from their blueliners and matches the franchise record for defensemen goals in a single playoff run (previously set in 2023 and 2024).
Sam Bennett`s seventh goal of the postseason in Game 1 places him in an exclusive group: he is now the third player for the Panthers to score seven or more goals in consecutive playoff appearances, joining teammates Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Reinhart, who achieved this feat in both 2023 and 2024.
Prior to the conference finals, the Hurricanes` penalty kill was a significant strength, allowing only two power-play goals on 30 opportunities. However, this effectiveness wasn`t evident in Game 1, as they surrendered two goals on just three Panthers power plays.
Sebastian Aho`s goal in Game 1 added his name to an impressive list; he is now tied for the most goals scored in series-opening games in Whalers/Hurricanes franchise history with five. He shares this distinction with Ray Whitney, Andrei Svechnikov, and his current head coach, Rod Brind`Amour.
Current Scoring Leaders
Seth Jarvis, C, Carolina Hurricanes
GP: 11 | G: 4 | A: 8
Eetu Luostarinen, C, Florida Panthers
GP: 13 | G: 4 | A: 9
Duncan Priestley 
Gareth Tenby