Game Details and How to Watch

Date/Time: Thursday, May 22, 8:00 PM ET

Venue: PNC Arena, Raleigh, North Carolina

TV/Streaming:

• U.S.: TNT,truTV | Streaming: Sling TV, Hulu with Live TV, YouTube TV (with B/R Sports add-on)
• Canada: Sportsnet, CBC, TVA Sports

Key Storylines

The Hurricanes' Struggle to Break a Losing Streak

Carolina aims to end its 13-game conference finals losing streak dating to 2009. Despite outshooting Florida 33-20 in Game 1, defensive errors (including a 2-for-3 penalty kill) and missed opportunities cost them. Captain Sébastien Aho (1 goal, 1 penalty in Game 1) must balance aggression with discipline to revive the offense.

Panthers' Road Dominance

Florida's 38 goals in 8 road playoff games tie the 2022 Avalanche for a NHL record. Aaron Ekblad (12 points) and Eetu Luostarinen (12 points, including a decisive Game 1 goal) lead a dynamic attack. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (31 saves in Game 1) remains crucial to their success.

Injury Impact

Florida's Sam Reinhart (lower-body injury) is questionable after leaving Game 1. Depth forwards like Brad Marchand (12 points) may fill the gap. Carolina's Frederik Andersen (80% save percentage in Game 1) must stabilize defensively to avoid a 0-2 deficit.

Player Matchups to Watch

Seth Jarvis (CAR) vs. Sergei Bobrovsky (FLA)

Carolina's top playmaker (10 playoff points) faces a netminder who held a 2.55 GAA against them in the regular season. Jarvis' creativity will test Bobrovsky's sharp reflexes.

Eetu Luostarinen (FLA) vs. Carolina's Defense

Luostarinen's speed (4 goals in 3 road games) could exploit Carolina's weak penalty kill and defensive gaps. His transition play will pressure the Hurricanes' backline.

Expert Insights & Odds

Panthers: -250 favorites | Hurricanes: +200 underdogs

Analysts highlight Carolina's home dominance (4-1 in playoffs) but note Florida's momentum after defeating Toronto in a grueling seven-game series. Bobrovsky's playoff pedigree gives Panthers an edge.

Final Thoughts

A Panthers win could solidify their Stanley Cup title hopes, while a Hurricanes comeback would revive their underdog narrative. Expect a physical, high-paced battle in Raleigh, with defensive adjustments and goaltending performance as decisive factors.

Keywords: Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, NHL playoffs, Stanley Cup, playoff preview