2025 Postseason: Carolina Hurricanes vs. Florida Panthers Eastern Conference Preview

Florida's Postseason Path

The Panthers emerged as the sole survivor from the Atlantic Division after beating the Maple Leafs in seven games in the 2nd round. Florida began its Cup defense with another Sunshine State Showdown against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Despite the Bolts holding home ice for the series, the Panthers won both games against their in-state rivals. After splitting in Sunrise, the Panthers finished the job in Tampa, winning 6-3 in Game 5 to win all three games on the road and advance in five games. Against the Maple Leafs in the second round, Florida fell behind 2-0 after a pair of high-scoring one-goal losses. The Panthers rattled off three straight victories to take a 3-2 lead, dropped Game 6 at home, and won Game 7, 6-1, to a chorus of boos from the Toronto faithful. 

Season Series

November 29th (in Raleigh): Beginning a post-Thanksgiving home-and-home, the Panthers used a three-goal third period to break a 3-3 tie and prevail 6-3 on the road. 

November 30th (in Sunrise): The Panthers completed the back-to-back sweep the following afternoon, routing the Hurricanes, 6-0, despite being a tight game for almost 40 minutes.

January 5th (in Sunrise): Jaccob Slavin breaks a 1-1 tie through the third period with a crazy goal to prevent the season sweep in a 3-1 road victory for the Hurricanes.

Postseason History

The only other postseason battle came two seasons ago in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Panthers won the series in four games, but each game was incredibly tight. Both games in Raleigh to begin the series required overtime. Game 1 was the 6th-longest game in NHL history, ending when Matthew Tkachuk scored late in the 4th overtime. Tkachuk did it again in Game 2, scoring much earlier to sweep both games in Raleigh. Sergei Bobrovsky was the star in Game 3, shutting out the Hurricanes in a 1-0 victory before Tkachuk did it again in Game 4. In the final seconds, Tkachuk squashed the Hurricanes' hopes with the series-clincher to complete the four-game sweep. The Panthers lost in the Stanley Cup Final to Vegas in five games.

5 Things to Watch

1. Andersen vs. Bobrovsky II

Frederik Andersen was very good when the Hurricanes faced the Panthers two years ago. Under normal circumstances, it would've probably been enough to avoid being swept. The problem was that Sergei Bobrovsky played out of his mind, allowing just six goals, half of which came in Game 4. This time around, Andersen enters the series as the goalie on fire. He's been phenomenal through two rounds, allowing just six goals in five games to the Capitals. Bobrovsky has been good, too. This will be a massive focal point in the series. I'm curious how the narrative changes if Andersen has a down game.

2. Just Win One

While the expectations for the team are different, most Hurricanes fans want one thing: don't get swept. The Hurricanes have been swept in their last three conference finals (2009, 2019, 2023), entering on a 12-game losing streak since beating the Sabres in the Eastern Conference Finals in 2006. When the Hurricanes win one game in a conference finals series, they're 2-0. It's a small sample size, but it's indisputable. Getting one win might take a load of stress off the team's back, while giving the fans a small victory in the hopes of something greater down the line.

3. Florida's Quick Turnaround

The Carolina Hurricanes haven't played since last Thursday, getting four days off after vanquishing the Capitals in five games. The Florida Panthers played Game 7 on Sunday night in Toronto, giving them one day between series. This has its pros and cons. It's a lot of hockey in a short period, especially with games being every other day during the series. However, it means Florida stays in the same mindset they played Game 7 with, keeping them in their routine. We'll see which team is positioned better on Tuesday.

4. Bottom 6 Battle

There will be plenty of star power on display between the two sides, so I'm looking at the bottom of the forward groups to see which Bottom 6 will provide the most for their team in this series. Florida's third line was their most effective against Toronto, led by Brad Marchand (3-5-8) and Eetu Luostarinen (2-5-7). The Staal line will be tasked with shutting down one of Florida's top lines, which in itself could be effective if successful. Plus, the Canes have one of the most skilled fourth lines in the league. If they can get good minutes and results compared to Florida's group, they will be golden.

5. Defensive Depth on Both Sides

I believe the Hurricanes have the deepest defensive core in the league. There are eight guys on the team now who are more than capable of playing at the NHL level. The Panthers are one of the next closest. They can do it all, especially after acquiring Seth Jones at the trade deadline. There are so many difference makers on the back end in this series. Whichever team can deploy its defensive group better will be in the fast lane to the Stanley Cup Finals.

Prediction: Hurricanes in 7