The Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes face off in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Tuesday, May 20, at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. This marks a rematch of the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals, where the Panthers swept the Hurricanes in four tightly contested games. Florida is aiming for its third consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearance, while Carolina is looking to avenge its previous loss and return to the championship stage for the first time since 2006.
Game Details
- Matchup: Florida Panthers (47-31-4) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (47-30-5)
- Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025
- Time: 8:00 PM ET
- Venue: Lenovo Center, Raleigh, NC
- TV Broadcast: MAX, TNT, SN, TVAS, CBC
How They Got Here
Florida Panthers (No. 3 Seed, Atlantic Division)
The Panthers battled through a seven-game series against the Toronto Maple Leafs, culminating in a dominant 6-1 victory in Game 7. Florida previously defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning in five games in the first round.
Florida’s offense has been explosive, averaging 3.75 goals per game in the playoffs. Brad Marchand, acquired at the trade deadline, has been a key contributor, leading the team with 12 points (three goals, nine assists). Sam Reinhart and Aleksander Barkov have also been instrumental in Florida’s attack.
Carolina Hurricanes (No. 2 Seed, Metropolitan Division)
Carolina has been dominant defensively, allowing just 1.80 goals per game in the playoffs. The Hurricanes eliminated the New Jersey Devils in five games before dispatching the Washington Capitals in five games in the second round.
Andrei Svechnikov has been Carolina’s top scorer, tallying eight goals and one assist in the postseason. Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis have also been key offensive contributors. Meanwhile, Frederik Andersen has been stellar in net, posting a 1.36 GAA and .937 save percentage.
Key Matchups
Brad Marchand vs. Carolina’s Defense
- Marchand has been Florida’s most productive forward, leading the team in points.
- Carolina’s elite penalty kill (93.3%) will need to neutralize his impact.
Sebastian Aho vs. Aleksander Barkov
- Aho leads Carolina’s offense, while Barkov is Florida’s shutdown center.
- Barkov will be tasked with limiting Aho’s scoring chances.
Sergei Bobrovsky vs. Frederik Andersen
- Bobrovsky has a 2.31 GAA and .901 save percentage, stepping up in clutch moments.
- Andersen has been one of the best goalies in the playoffs, leading all netminders in save percentage.
Game Outlook
Florida’s offensive firepower will clash with Carolina’s defensive structure, making this a battle of contrasting styles. The Panthers have three scoring lines, while the Hurricanes rely on depth and defensive discipline.
Carolina’s home-ice advantage and rest advantage could play a role, as Florida is coming off a Game 7 battle. However, the Panthers have proven their ability to win in hostile environments.
Game Odds
Florida Panthers 5.5
Carolina Hurricanes – 125
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, May 19, 2025
