The Florida Panthers have a 1-0 series lead over the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final. Just two days after winning Game 7 in Toronto in blowout fashion, the Panthers smothered the Hurricanes with a 5-2 win in Game 1.

Just 48 hours after beating Toronto in Game 7, Florida became the first team in these playoffs to win in Carolina.

Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the NBA Most Valuable Player, the league announced on Wednesday night.

Carolina playoff games, the Panthers are converting on the power play at twice the usual rate anyone has against the Hurricanes. That’s a strength that has to be a strength for Carolina.

One play in particular stood out among some fans. Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad was seen delivering a rather vicious elbow straight to the head of an unsuspecting Jackson Blake, though Ekblad was not issued a penalty for the incident.

In a rematch of the 2023 Eastern Conference Final against the Panthers, the Hurricanes will yet again play another recent playoff opponent, this time looking to turn the tables after that sweep.