North Carolina– In a commanding performance at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina, the Florida Panthers took control of the 2025 NHL Eastern Conference Final with a dominant 5–0 win over the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 2. The Panthers now lead the best-of-seven series 2–0, delivering a clear statement of intent as they aim for a return to the Stanley Cup Final.
Sam Bennett and Sergei Bobrovsky were the standout performers for Florida. Bennett contributed two goals and one assist, spearheading the Panthers’ offensive onslaught. His second goal, late in the second period, deflated any hopes of a Carolina comeback and pushed the lead to four. Meanwhile, Bobrovsky recorded his third shutout of the postseason, stopping all 17 shots he faced. This performance set a new franchise record for most shutouts in a single playoff year, reinforcing his reputation as one of the league’s elite goaltenders in high-pressure situations.
Florida’s offense operated with surgical precision. In addition to Bennett’s pair, Gustav Forsling, Matthew Tkachuk, and Aleksander Barkov each added goals. Barkov’s power-play tally in the third period capped the scoring and underscored the Panthers’ ability to capitalize on special teams. Carter Verhaeghe provided the creative spark, assisting on three goals and consistently disrupting Carolina’s defensive structure with his speed and vision.
For the Hurricanes, the night was one to forget. The team struggled to find rhythm and managed only 17 shots on goal—their fewest in a playoff game since the 2006 Stanley Cup Final. A potential momentum-shifting goal early in the second period was overturned on an offside challenge, further sapping energy from the home crowd. Frederik Andersen allowed four goals on 16 shots before being replaced by Pyotr Kochetkov, who surrendered one additional goal in relief.
Postgame reactions reflected the lopsided nature of the contest. Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal described the loss as a “whooping,” while head coach Rod Brind’Amour acknowledged that every player needed to raise their level of play. The defeat extended Carolina’s dismal record in the Eastern Conference Final, marking their 14th straight loss in this round of the playoffs and their sixth consecutive postseason defeat to Florida, including a sweep in the 2023 series.
With Game 3 scheduled for Saturday, May 24, in Sunrise, Florida, the Panthers have a prime opportunity to extend their lead on home ice. For Carolina, the focus must now shift to survival. They will need a drastically improved performance to reverse the momentum and re-enter the series. Florida, on the other hand, will look to maintain their intensity and push the Hurricanes to the brink of elimination. As the series moves south, the pressure mounts for both teams—but especially for Carolina, whose playoff hopes now hang in the balance.
