The Eastern Conference Finals shift to Raleigh for Game 5 as the Florida Panthers, holding a 3-1 series lead, attempt to close out the Carolina Hurricanes and return to the Stanley Cup Final for the third consecutive season, while the Hurricanes fight to stave off elimination and keep their title aspirations alive. Florida’s first three games showcased complete dominance, outscoring Carolina 16-4 and executing an efficient and aggressive style that left the Hurricanes struggling to match pace, particularly on special teams. The Panthers’ power play has operated at a lethal 36% conversion rate this series, fueled by the dynamic play of Matthew Tkachuk, Aleksander Barkov, and Carter Verhaeghe, who have generated chances through crisp puck movement and physical net-front presence. Sergei Bobrovsky has been reliable and calm under pressure, controlling rebounds and shutting down high-danger opportunities to frustrate a Carolina offense that has outshot Florida but failed to convert. Defensively, Florida’s structure and communication have neutralized the Hurricanes’ transition game, with Gustav Forsling and Brandon Montour playing key roles in breaking up cycles and launching quick breakouts. However, Game 4 saw Carolina flash its potential, blanking the Panthers 3-0 behind a resurgent Frederik Andersen and tighter neutral-zone discipline, suggesting the Hurricanes may have finally cracked the code to slowing Florida’s offense. Carolina has fired 138 shots over four games yet only managed seven goals, highlighting a lack of finishing touch that’s plagued them throughout the series, especially on a power play that has gone 1-for-12.

They will need their top-six forwards, notably Sebastian Aho, Martin Necas, and Seth Jarvis, to rediscover their scoring touch and elevate their game in a high-pressure environment. Florida’s playoff identity, built on forechecking pressure, opportunistic offense, and veteran poise, will be tested by a desperate Hurricanes team buoyed by a home crowd and the memory of their Game 4 success. For Carolina to extend the series, they must win the special teams battle, get timely saves from Andersen, and bury their chances in tight—none of which have come easily in this series. Meanwhile, Florida can afford no complacency and will likely look to deliver a complete performance early, aiming to quiet the building and set the tone through disciplined physicality and relentless pressure. The tactical chess match between coaches Paul Maurice and Rod Brind’Amour adds another layer to an already gripping series, as both benches adjust to gain the upper hand in matchups and energy deployment. Given Florida’s postseason experience, recent dominance, and balanced contributions across the roster, they enter Game 5 with confidence and a clear path to close things out, but the Hurricanes’ pride, potential offensive breakout, and ability to thrive in chaotic moments offer the potential for a dramatic turn if Florida doesn’t stay sharp. In what promises to be a fierce and emotional contest, execution under duress and resilience in the face of momentum swings will likely determine whether the Panthers advance or the Hurricanes claw their way to a Game 6.