Florida Panthers Win Game 1 Eastern Conference Final Against Hurricanes

The Florida Panthers have demonstrated their playoff prowess by advancing to the Eastern Conference Final for the third consecutive season and capturing the Stanley Cup last year. In Game 1 against the Carolina Hurricanes, they secured a convincing 5-2 victory, showcasing a potent offense that capitalized on power plays and a resilient defense anchored by goalie Sergei Bobrovsky. Despite a quick turnaround after a grueling Game 7 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Panthers maintained their intensity and composure, with key contributions from players like Sam Bennett, Carter Verhaeghe, Aaron Ekblad, and newly added Brad Marchand. Their experience, balanced offensive depth, and top goaltending continue to make them formidable opponents, even as the Hurricanes pose a strong challenge with stars like Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov. The Panthers’ ability to perform consistently under pressure, including overcoming a 2-0 series deficit in previous rounds, underscores why they remain favorites to reach the Stanley Cup Final for the third straight year.