Overview
- The Florida Panthers defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 5-2 in Game 1, taking a 1-0 lead in the Eastern Conference finals.
- Carter Verhaeghe and Aaron Ekblad scored early first-period goals, setting the tone for Florida’s offensive dominance.
- Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky made 31 saves, anchoring the Panthers’ defense against Carolina’s 33 shots on goal.
- A third-period fight between Brad Marchand and Shayne Gostisbehere resulted in misconduct penalties, highlighting the series' physical intensity.
- Game 2 is scheduled for Thursday at 8:00 p.m. ET in Raleigh, with the Panthers aiming to extend their series lead.