The Carolina Hurricanes host the Florida Panthers at Lenovo Center tonight at 8:00 PM ET for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final. This is a rematch of the 2023 conference finals, where the Panthers swept the Hurricanes. Carolina will be looking to start strong on home ice, while Florida aims to continue its postseason momentum and defend its title as reigning Stanley Cup champions.

Recent Performance

Carolina Hurricanes (Advanced 4–1 over the Washington Capitals)
The Hurricanes enter this series fresh off a five-game win over the Washington Capitals. Carolina has excelled with structured, team-first hockey and balanced scoring throughout the lineup. Sebastian Aho leads the team with 10 points (3 goals, 7 assists), while Andrei Svechnikov has added 9 goals. Frederik Andersen continues to be a rock in net with a 7-2-0 record in 9 games with a goals against average of 1.36 and a save percentage of .937

 

Florida Panthers (Advanced 4-3 over the Toronto Maple Leafs)
Florida battled through a physical seven-game series against Toronto. Their aggressive forecheck and elite 5-on-5 play wore the Maple Leafs down, with the Panthers outscoring them in the last game 6-1 on the Leafs home ice. Brad Marchand leads the Panthers with 12 points (3 goals, 9 assists), and Sam Reinhart has notched 7 goals. Sergei Bobrovsky remains steady in goal, posting a 8-4-0 in 12 games with a goals against average of 2.31 and a save percentage of .901.

Team Records and Trends

Carolina Hurricanes
Home Record (2025 playoffs): 5-0
Power Play: 28.1%
Penalty Kill: 93.3%
Record vs. FLA (this season): 1-2

 

Florida Panthers
Away Record (2025 playoffs): 5-2-0
Power Play: 20.5%
Penalty Kill: 89.5%
Record vs. CAR (this season): 2-1

Key Players to Watch

Carolina Hurricanes

• Sebastian Aho – Carolina’s leading scorer in the playoffs, Aho’s two-way game and playmaking are crucial in dictating pace, especially at home. This playoff run he’s acquired 3 goals and 7 assists for 10 points.
• Seth Jarvis – With 4 goals, 6 assists this postseason, Jarvis is tied for top scorer on the Canes this postseason and remains a constant scoring threat, particularly on the rush and power play.

 

Florida Panthers

• Brad Marchand – The Panthers newly acquired rat is actually their top scorer, Marchand thrives in high-pressure moments and leads the forecheck with physicality and vision. He has 3 goals and 9 assists through 2 series.
• Sam Reinhart – One of Florida’s most dangerous goal scorers, Reinhart’s quick release and ability to find soft areas in coverage make him a consistent threat. He has 4 goals and 7 assists this postseason. 

Injury Report

Carolina Hurricanes

• Mark Jankowski – Out 
• Jalen Chatfield – Day-to-day (Game time decision)

 

Florida Panthers

• No injuries to report.

Goaltending Matchup

Carolina Hurricanes

• Frederik Andersen – Confirmed starter. Andersen has been one of the top goaltenders this postseason, boasting elite stats and clutch performances. His positioning and calm demeanor stabilize the Hurricanes defensively. He holds a 7-2-0 record in 9 games with a goals against average of 1.36 and a save percentage of .937 in the 2025 playoffs.

 

Florida Panthers

• Sergei Bobrovsky – Confirmed starter. The veteran netminder has proven once again to be playoff reliable, coming up big in elimination games and maintaining consistency under pressure. He is 8-4-0 in 12 games with a goals against average of 2.31 and a save percentage of .901 in the 2025 playoffs.

 

Game Outlook

This is expected to be a physical, tightly contested opening matchup between two of the NHL’s most complete teams. Teams that win Game 1 of the conference finals series go on to win the series 68.1 percent of the time (534-250). The percentage increases to 74.9 percent (368-123) when the home team wins Game 1, and decreases to 56.7 percent (166-127) when the road team wins Game 1. The Hurricanes will look to dictate tempo with their structured play and home crowd energy in hopes of ending the 12-game losing streak in the Eastern Conference Final; they are 5-0 at home this postseason, while Florida seeks to capitalize on transition chances and special teams to continue their winning ways in the eastern conference having won the opening game in each of their three previous trips to the conference final (1996, 2023, 2024). They went on to win the series each time. The winner of Game 1 could set the tone for what promises to be a gritty, high-stakes series.

 

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