Preview: ECF, Game 1 vs. FLA

RALEIGH, N.C. - The Carolina Hurricanes embark on their second Eastern Conference Final appearance in three seasons, taking on the Florida Panthers in Game 1 at Lenovo Center

-

When: Tuesday, May 20

Puck Drop: 8:00 p.m. ET

Watch (US; CAN): TNT, Max; SN, TVAS | Learn More

Listen: 99.9 The Fan, Hurricanes App

Odds at Time of Publishing, via Fanatics Sportsbook: Canes -120

The Playoffs So Far...

• Round 1: Carolina raced out to a 3-1 series lead before taking a thrilling double-overtime victory in Game 5 to oust the New Jersey Devils.
• Round 2: Despite not having home-ice advantage, the Canes again won three of the first four games against Washington before a decisive Game 5, during which a late dagger from Andrei Svechnikov decided the series for Carolina.

Regular Season vs. FLA...

• November 29: The Hurricanes fought back to erase a two-goal hole through 40 minutes, but conceded three in the third en route to a 6-3 loss to Florida at Lenovo Center.
• November 30: The Cats ran rampant at home, rattling off a 6-0 victory over Carolina in the second half of a back-to-back, home-and-home set.
• January 2: Brent Burns and Jaccob Slavin both scored in a 3-1 win at Amerant Bank Arena.

Who's Hot...

• Seth Jarvis has tallied points in four straight games (2G, 3A).
• Andrei Svechnikov has scored in three consecutive contests, marking a career postseason high.
• Jordan Martinook, Jordan Staal and Sean Walker each enter Game 1 having found the scoresheet in back-to-back games.

In Net...

• Frederik Andersen enters the Eastern Conference Final with the best save percentage (.937) and GAA (1.36) among all NHL netminders this postseason, having started every game for Carolina when healthy.
• Andersen's teammates have frequently referred to him as the team's "backbone," pointing to the confidence he has provided the team throughout the first two rounds.

On The Other Side...

• Florida arrives at the Conference Final with an 8-4 record, having dispatched the Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs in five and seven games, respectively.
• Deadline acquisition Brad Marchand has thrived in his new colors this postseason, co-leading the team with 12 points (3G, 9A) alongside former Hurricanes prospect Eetu Luostarinen.
• Sergei Bobrovsky, who has started all 12 games for Florida, opened the postseason with back-to-back wins in Tampa before struggling in his next six starts, allowing three or more goals in five of those. Since then, though, he's allowed just four goals in his last four appearances, picking up his NHL-best second shutout of the playoffs in that span.

Injury Updates

• Defenseman Jalen Chatfield missed Game 5 against Washington and has not yet returned to practice with the team. Rod Brind'Amour called No. 5 "questionable" for tonight's tilt against the Panthers.
• Forward Mark Jankowski left Game 1 of the second round with an undisclosed injury, and while he has not yet returned to game action, he has been practicing with the team.
• Forward Jesper Fast was ruled out for the 2024-25 season in August after having neck surgery.

What Are We Wearing?

• The Canes will wear their black uniforms at home throughout the postseason.

What's Next After This Game?

• The Canes are scheduled to practice on Wednesday before squaring off with the Cats again on Thursday.
• Next Game: Thursday, May 22 | Eastern Conference Final, Game 2 vs. Florida | 8:00 p.m. ET | Tickets | Parking