The Florida Panthers have established a 1-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Final series against the Carolina Hurricanes. Playing just two days after a convincing Game 7 victory in Toronto, the Panthers effectively stifled the Hurricanes en route to a 5-2 win in the series opener.
As expected, scoring space was limited for both teams in this matchup. However, the Panthers appeared more successful at creating opportunities near the net. This was evident when Carter Verhaeghe scored the opening goal for Florida.
While on a power play, Verhaeghe received the puck in the low slot. He moved to his backhand and placed a perfect shot over the shoulder of Carolina goalie Frederik Andersen, giving the Panthers a 1-0 advantage.
Verhaeghe finished the game with two points. Evan Rodrigues also recorded two points, assisting on Aaron Ekblad`s first-period goal. Ekblad, who had a strong series against the Maple Leafs, found the back of the net with a hard shot that ricocheted off the post and went in behind Andersen.
Throughout their playoff run, the Panthers have received key contributions from all parts of their lineup, and Tuesday night`s game was no different. A.J. Greer, Sam Bennett, and Eetu Luostarinen scored the other three goals for Florida.
Despite their offensive output, the Panthers` victory was significantly aided by stellar goaltending. Sergei Bobrovsky faced 33 shots from the Hurricanes, stopping 31 of them as he continued his impressive run of form.
Conversely, the Hurricanes struggled to maintain offensive pressure against the Panthers` defense. Carolina`s offense had been effective in the first two rounds against the Capitals and Devils, but neither of those opponents presented the defensive challenge that Florida poses.
Sebastian Aho scored one of the two goals for the Hurricanes, a play that involved some controversy. With less than a minute left in the first period, Aho redirected the puck into the net using the back of his skate. Following a video review, the goal was confirmed, as officials ruled there was no distinct kicking motion.
That controversial goal was one of the few highlights for the home crowd at the arena that night. Frederik Andersen, Carolina`s goaltender, had a particularly difficult performance. The Hurricanes did not play poorly defensively, allowing only 20 shots on goal, but five of those managed to get past Andersen.
With this loss, the Hurricanes have now suffered their 13th consecutive defeat in Eastern Conference Final games, a streak that goes back to the 2009 playoffs. They will have another opportunity to break this streak in Game 2 on Thursday, but the confident Panthers will certainly aim to prevent it.
