In a thrilling start to the Eastern Conference Finals, the Florida Panthers claimed a decisive 5-2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes, marking the first time in these playoffs that the Hurricanes find themselves trailing in a series. This win not only snatched home-ice advantage for the Panthers but also set the tone for what promises to be an intense series as they pursue their third consecutive appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals.
The game took place at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, where the Carolina Hurricanes had previously enjoyed an unbeaten run during the first two rounds against the New Jersey Devils and the Washington Capitals. However, the reigning champions, the Florida Panthers, proved to be a formidable opponent. "You got to finish," said Carolina coach Rod Brind'Amour. "They're too good a team. They're going to get theirs. They got some real good high-end scorers, so when you get your opportunities, it may not be many ... you got to find a way to put it by them."
The Hurricanes are aiming for their first Stanley Cup Finals appearance since 2006 and are looking to break a streak of 13 consecutive losses in the Eastern Conference Finals over four series. Despite their previous success in the playoffs, Florida's strong performance showcased the challenges that lie ahead for the Hurricanes.
Florida made a significant impact by scoring two power-play goals against Carolina's top-ranked postseason penalty kill. This achievement handed Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen his roughest outing of the postseason, allowing five goals on just 20 shots. Brind'Amour commented, "You got the two power-play goals, I think that's really the difference in the game. You got to kill those. You got to give them credit. If you give them a chance, it's in the net."
Florida's Carter Verhaeghe ignited the scoring with a power-play goal just 8:30 into the game, following a roughing penalty on Sebastian Aho. "That can't happen. It's the wrong call," Brind'Amour lamented. "At least should have been 50-50. Can't take a cross-check in the face and then call that." Four minutes later, Aaron Ekblad doubled the lead with a goal stemming from a turnover by Jordan Staal.
Carolina managed to score late in the first period, with Aho redirecting a pass from Seth Jarvis, but Florida quickly regained momentum. A.J. Greer scored early in the second period, extending Florida's lead to 3-1, taking advantage of a defensive breakdown. Carolina's rookie defenseman Scott Morrow, making his playoff debut, struggled, finishing the night with a minus-3 rating.
With the Panthers asserting their dominance, the pressure is now on Carolina to bounce back in Game 2, scheduled for Thursday, May 22, at 8 p.m. in Raleigh. The Hurricanes will need to improve their game to avoid falling further behind in the series.
In summary, the Florida Panthers' 5-2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals sets the stage for an exciting playoff series. As both teams gear up for the next match, fans can expect high intensity and fierce competition. Stay tuned for postgame analysis and insights from former NHL pro Shane Willis on WRAL at 11:25 p.m. after each playoff game.
Upcoming Game Schedule:
Game 2: at Carolina, Thursday, May 22, 8 p.m. (TNT, 99.9 The Fan)
Game 3: at Florida, Saturday, May 24, 8 p.m. (TNT, 99.9 The Fan)
Game 4: at Florida, Monday, May 26, 8 p.m. (TNT, 99.9 The Fan)
Game 5: at Carolina (if necessary), Wednesday, May 28, 8 p.m. (TNT, 99.9 The Fan)
Game 6: at Florida (if necessary), Friday, May 30, 8 p.m. (TNT, 99.9 The Fan)
Game 7: at Carolina (if necessary), Sunday, June 1, 8 p.m. (TNT, 99.9 The Fan)
