The May 22, 2025 matchup between the Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena represents a critical Game 2 in the Eastern Conference Finals, with Florida leading the series 1–0 after a commanding 5–2 road victory in Game 1 that showcased their depth, discipline, and experience under pressure. The Panthers, who continue to prove they are built for playoff hockey, executed a nearly flawless game plan by using their defensive structure to disrupt Carolina’s aggressive forecheck and limiting the Hurricanes’ ability to generate high-danger scoring chances despite being outshot. Florida’s offense was opportunistic and efficient, converting on key chances with contributions throughout the lineup, including from Matthew Tkachuk and Carter Verhaeghe, while Sergei Bobrovsky stood tall in net and delivered key saves that frustrated the Hurricanes in key moments. The Panthers’ ability to clog the neutral zone, win board battles, and keep rebounds under control was a massive factor in neutralizing Carolina’s zone entries and rhythm. With their physicality and ability to transition quickly, Florida controlled the pace for long stretches of the game and forced Carolina into costly turnovers. For the Hurricanes, who were previously dominant at home during the regular season and earlier rounds of the playoffs, Game 1 was a sobering reminder that Florida’s brand of playoff hockey is built to grind down even the fastest, most high-energy teams.

Frederik Andersen had little help in front of him, as defensive coverage broke down at inopportune times, and Carolina’s shooters struggled to generate clean looks against a Panthers defense that clogs lanes and collapses efficiently in front of Bobrovsky. Special teams could be a key focus in Game 2, as both teams have proven capable on the power play but struggled to convert in Game 1, suggesting that the series could shift on whichever side finds success with the man advantage. Betting trends are increasingly favoring Florida’s disciplined, playoff-proven approach, as they’ve now covered the puck line in seven of their last ten games, while the Hurricanes have gone just 1–9 ATS in their last ten home contests—a striking contrast for a team that relies heavily on home-ice energy and speed. The total has gone UNDER in six of Carolina’s last nine games, though the Panthers’ five-goal outburst in Game 1 suggests they may be able to crack through even if the pace tightens in Game 2. If Carolina wants to even the series, they will need to be more physical in front of their own net, limit Florida’s second-chance opportunities, and get a bounce-back performance from Andersen, who will be under heavy scrutiny after a subpar Game 1. For Florida, the formula is simple: replicate the discipline, capitalize on mistakes, and keep Carolina’s offense off-balance with tight coverage and quick counterattacks. As the series intensifies, this Game 2 is pivotal—either the Panthers take a commanding 2–0 series lead with the next two games at home, or the Hurricanes bounce back and reset the tone of a matchup between two elite Eastern Conference powerhouses.