Preview: ECF, Game 5 vs. FLA

RALEIGH, N.C. - The Carolina Hurricanes will try to keep their momentum going as they return home on Wednesday, hosting the Florida Panthers in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final.

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When: Wednesday, May 28

Puck Drop: 8:00 p.m. ET

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

Listen: 99.9 The Fan, Hurricanes App

Odds at Time of Publishing, via Fanatics Sportsbook: Canes +105

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.

The Series So Far...

• Game 1: Carolina "made too many mistakes" in a 5-2 loss.
• Game 2: The Canes were completely dismantled, losing 5-0 on home ice.
• Game 3: A turnover-filled third period allowed the Panthers to run away with a 6-2 victory.
• Game 4: Frederik Andersen turned aside all 20 shots faced, keeping Carolina's season alive in a 3-0 victory in Florida.

Rookies On The Rise...

• Logan Stankoven scored the game-opening and game-winning goal on Monday, giving him five markers this postseason. He is just the third rookie in Canes/Whalers history to score five in a playoff run, joining Erik Cole (6 in 2002) and Warren Foegele (5 in 2019).
• In just his third game with the team, defenseman Alexander Nikishin recorded his first NHL point, getting an assist on Stankoven's marker. He is just the sixth defenseman since 1968 to record his first career NHL point in a game where his team faced elimination.

In Net...

• After serving in a backup capacity for Game 3, Frederik Andersen returned to the crease in a major way on Monday, putting together a perfect performance (20 saves) when his team needed it most.
• His fifth career playoff shutout, and second during the 2025 playoffs, the Dane became the third goaltender in franchise history to record a shutout in a potential elimination game, and the fourth to record multiple postseason donuts with the club.
• It feels probable that the team will go back to the veteran in hopes of replicating that performance again this evening.

On The Other Side...

• Panthers forward Sam Bennett said the Cats "sat back" in Game 4, prohibiting them from completing the sweep. Calling it "not the norm" for Florida and "an easy fix," the defending Stanley Cup Champions seemed unfazed by the loss.
• Still up 3-1, Head Coach Paul Maurice said, "We've been pretty good at learning our lessons, and we need them." One of those areas that he'd like to see improved is the power play, which he called "disjointed" after a 0-for-4 outing.
• On the injury front, Florida was without lineup mainstays Sam Reinhart, A.J. Greer, and Niko Mikkola for Game 4, but all three skated on Tuesday before flying to Raleigh.

Injury Updates

• Defenseman Sean Walker did not play in Game 3 or Game 4 due to an undisclosed injury.
• Defenseman Jalen Chatfield has missed the team's last five games due to an undisclosed injury. He was called "day-to-day" before Game 3. Rod Brind'Amour said he'd know more on Wednesday morning on if either Chatfield, or Walker, would be available for Game 5.
• 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?

• If the Canes win, they are scheduled to practice and fly back to Florida on Thursday for a Friday Game 6. If the Canes lose, exit interviews will be held in the following days.
• Next Game (if necessary): Friday, May 30 | ECF, Game 6 at Florida | 8:00 p.m. ET
• Next Home Game (if necessary): Sunday, June 1 | ECF, Game 7 vs. Florida | 8:00 p.m. ET | Tickets | Parking