A battle between two of the top defensive teams in the NHL, the Hurricanes have allowed the fewest goals per game in the playoffs (1.80), just one spot ahead of the Panthers (2.42). Carolina is also first on the penalty kill (93.3%), with Florida right behind in second (89.5%). Both teams also have a stalwart shutdown duo on their top pair.

The 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs field is down to the final four. The Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers face off in a rematch of the 2023 Eastern Conference finals, while the Western Conference finals are a return bout from 2024 between the Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers.

The Panthers have a quick turnaround this week, going from Game 7 of the conference semifinals against Toronto on Sunday to Game 1 of the conference final against Carolina on Tuesday.

NHL.com's fantasy staff continues to cover the latest trends and storylines in the League through the lens of NHL EDGE puck and player tracker stats. Today, we preview the Eastern Conference Final series between the Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers.

He’s being physical. He’s a bench presence. He’s a little thorn in the other team’s side. So we appreciate everything he does.’

So far in these playoffs, nobody on the Florida Panthers roster has collected more points than Brad Marchand and no skater has logged more ice time than Seth Jones. Meet the latest examples of Bill Zito pushing all the right buttons.

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.