The Stanley Cup Playoffs continued with a bang as the Eastern Conference Final got underway in Raleigh, where the Florida Panthers claimed a convincing 5-2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1.

Florida edged each period with clinical efficiency, steadily building their lead and silencing the home crowd. The Panthers struck in every frame and displayed both offensive depth and defensive discipline, setting the tone early in the series.

Carter Verhaeghe, Aaron Ekblad, A.J. Greer, Sam Bennett, and Eetu Luostarinen all found the back of the net for the Panthers, showcasing the team’s balanced scoring threat. On the other side, Sebastian Aho and Blake responded for Carolina, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap.

With the win, Florida takes a 1–0 lead in the best-of-seven series, putting early pressure on a Carolina squad still searching for rhythm on home ice.

Meanwhile, the Western Conference Final is set to begin later tonight as the Dallas Stars face off against the high-flying Edmonton Oilers in Game 1.

NHL – Stanley Cup Playoffs

Carolina Hurricanes 2–5 Florida Panthers
Period Scores: (1–2, 0–1, 1–2)
Series Lead: Panthers 1–0