Overview

• The Florida Panthers opened the Eastern Conference Finals with a decisive 5–2 win against the Carolina Hurricanes in South Carolina.
• This marks Carolina's first home playoff loss of the season, giving Florida an early advantage in the series.
• Florida's fourth line delivered key contributions, with A. J. Greer scoring to extend the lead to 3–1 and Tomas Nosek assisting on two goals.
• Nico Sturm, benched earlier in the playoffs despite solid performances, remains sidelined as the Panthers rely on depth players.
• Game 2 is scheduled for Friday night in South Carolina before the series shifts to Florida for the next two games.