Preview: ECF Game 1 vs. Florida

RALEIGH, NC. -The first postseason meeting between the Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers takes place this evening, as the two open the Eastern Conference Final at PNC Arena.

When: Thursday, May 18
Puck Drop:8 p.m. ET
Watch:TNT
Listen:99.9 The Fan,
Hurricanes.com/Listen
, Hurricanes App

NEWS & NOTES

Turbo Time?:Just 28 days ago forward Teuvo Teravainen underwent surgery to repair a broken hand following a slash from Jean-Gabriel Pageau in Game 2 of the team's first-round series against the Islanders. Tonight, he could return to the lineup. Practicing with the team Monday and Wednesday, #86 worked alongside Jordan Staal and Martin Necas, suggesting that he might have the green light.
Stay Hot, Marty:Forward Jordan Martinook had 10 points during the second round, tied with Oilers forward Connor McDavid for the most league-wide.
Stacking Points Quickly:Martinook's linemate, Jesper Fast, has points in five consecutive games, including the overtime game-winner in Game 5 against New Jersey.

In Net:Frederik Andersen is expected to be between the pipes for the Canes again tonight. Aside from Game 3 in New Jersey when he was pulled after just 20:45 of work, "Zilla" was exceptional, going 4-0 with a .918 save percentage in the series. Although Antti Raanta continues to wait in the wings after a strong Round 1 himself, many are anticipating Goaltending Coach Paul Schonfelder will stick with the hot #31.
Do Matchups Matter?:Much of the discussion surrounding Florida's offense revolves around Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk. By now we know that Jordan Staal's line is often given the shutdown role, likely receiving the task to take on the line featuring one of the above-listed players for the Cats. Whether it is Sebastian Aho or Jesperi Kotkaniemi's line responsible for going head-to-head against the other, the one not selected will be the one to keep an eye on for offense tonight.

INJURY UPDATES

Injuries are listed below in chronological order.

ADDITIONAL GAME INFORMATION

What Are We Wearing?:The Canes will be wearing their red anniversary sweaters for all home games in the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Parking:Coming to the game? Save money by purchasing your parking in advance.
Click here to learn more
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Carolina Ale House:Can't make it to the game? Visit any
Carolina Ale House
in the state to watch the Canes all throughout the playoffs.

AFTER THE FINAL HORN

The Canes are scheduled to practice Friday before Saturday's Game 2. Puck drop for that contest, and every game in this series, is set for 8 p.m.
Worth A Click:
CanesCast Episode 251: It's A Southern Hockey Thing
Playoff Notebook: Two Days Out
Injury Report: Teravainen Moving Closer To Returning
Playoff Notebook: On To The Next One
Burns' Impact & Experience In His First Season As A Hurricane
Learn More About Season Ticket Memberships For The 2023-24 Season