The final two teams in the Eastern Conference are ready to go head-to-head.
The Hurricanes and Panthers kick off their conference finals series Thursday night with Game 1 set to take place down in Raleigh, N.C.
Carolina defeated New Jersey in five games to earn the franchise its first Eastern Conference Final appearance since 2019. The Canes' offense came alive in the second round, averaging just under five goals per game against the Devils to win the second-round series.
MORE: Watch the 2023 NHL playoffs on TNT with Sling TV
Florida continues on its unexpected run after taking care of Toronto in five games. Sergei Bobrovsky never allowed more than two goals in any contest, while the Panthers won all three away games, including two in overtime, to dispose of the Maple Leafs.
This is the Panthers' first time in the conference finals since 1996, when the club made it all the way to Stanley Cup Final, but lost. Florida has never won a Stanley Cup, while Carolina is aiming for a chance at winning its first since 2006.
This marks the first time ever that the two southern-based franchises are facing each other in the postseason.
The Sporting News has all you need to know to watch Hurricanes vs. Panthers Game 1.
NHL PLAYOFFS: FULL BRACKET | PREDICTIONS | SCHEDULE
Hurricanes vs. Panthers Game 1 start time
- Date: Thursday, May 18
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
The Hurricanes vs. Panthers Game 1 puck drop is set for Thursday, May 18 at 8 p.m. ET.
The game is being played at PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C.
What channel is Hurricanes vs. Panthers Game 1 on?
- TV Channel (U.S.): TNT
- TV Channel (Canada): Sportsnet, CBC, TVAS
- Live stream (U.S.): TNT app, Sling TV
- Live stream (Canada): SN NOW, CBC Gem, CBC Sports app
The Hurricanes vs. Panthers Game 1 is set to air live in the United States on TNT. Fans in Canada can watch the action on Sportsnet, CBC or TVA Sports for the French-speaking audience.
For those looking to live stream the game, the TNT app is an option in the United States, in addition to Sling TV, which carries all NHL playoff games on TNT's platforms.
In Canada, streamers can watch the game through SN NOW, CBC Gem or the CBC Sports app.
Hurricanes vs. Panthers Game 1 odds, prediction
- Puckline: Hurricanes -1.5 (+175) | Panthers +1.5 (-211)
- Moneyline: Hurricanes -149 | Panthers +122
- O/U: 5.5
The Hurricanes enter Game 1 as the favorites at home against the Panthers to kick off the Eastern Conference Final.
Odds provided by Sports Interaction.
Prediction: Carolina has dominated on home ice this postseason, only losing once so far in Raleigh. While the Panthers didn't have problems winning on the road in the second round, the Hurricanes and PNC Arena are a different animal. The home team comes out with a Game 1 victory.
Hurricanes 4, Panthers 2
Hurricanes vs. Panthers series schedule
| Date | Site | Time (ET) | TV/Result |
| Thurs., May 18 | at Carolina | 8 p.m. | TNT, SN, CBC, TVAS |
| Sat., May 20 | at Carolina | 8 p.m. | TNT, SN, CBC, TVAS |
| Mon., May 22 | at Florida | 8 p.m. | TNT, SN, CBC, TVAS |
| Wed., May 24 | at Florida | 8 p.m. | TNT, SN, CBC, TVAS |
| *Fri., May 26 | at Carolina | 8 p.m. | TNT, SN, CBC, TVAS |
| *Sun., May 28 | at Florida | 8 p.m. | TNT, SN, CBC, TVAS |
| *Tues., May 30 | at Carolina | 8 p.m. | TNT, SN, CBC, TVAS |
* If necessary
