Panthers Power Past Canes In Game 1, Oilers & Stars Set For Tonight's NHL Playoff Showdown

Panthers Pounce Early in Game 1 of Eastern Conference Finals

The Florida Panthers came out firing in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, defeating the Carolina Hurricanes 5-2 on the road to take a 1-0 series lead. It was a dominant NHL Playoff showing from Sergei Bobrovsky, who posted a 31 save night. The Canes' goaltender Frederik Andersen allowed 5 goals on only 20 shots leaving him with only 15 saves and fans wondering what it will take to see him pulled.

Florida’s third straight trip to the Eastern Conference Final is off to a roaring start, but they’ll need to keep up this intensity in Game 2 on Thursday night as the Hurricanes look to regroup at home and even the series before heading to South Florida.

NHL Playoffs See Oilers @ Stars Tonight in Western Conference Finals Game 1

Tonight, the puck drops in Dallas as the Western Conference Finals get underway between the Dallas Stars and the Edmonton Oilers. The Stars are back in the West Final for the third consecutive year and come in riding momentum from a thrilling 2–1 overtime win to eliminate the Winnipeg Jets in Game 6.

Meanwhile, the Oilers arrive rested and red-hot, having taken down the Golden Knights in the second round needing just five games. Edmonton is led by the usual suspects—Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Something to keep an eye on though will be the play of goaltender Stuart Skinner, who already lost his starting job early in this year's postseason. Since then he has seemed to get back to form and even posted back-to-back shutouts to close out Vegas.

This marks the second time in three seasons these teams meet in the playoffs, with it being a rematch of last year's Western Conference Finals. Expect fireworks: Dallas plays with structure and physicality, while Edmonton brings speed, firepower, and elite special teams. Game 1 begins at 5:00 PM PT from Dallas.

Pregame Sports Bar Crawl: Las Vegas Edition

Experience the game like never before with our Pregame Sports pub crawl in Las Vegas! Join fellow fans for exclusive drink specials at some of the city's best sports bars. It's the ultimate way to gear up for game night. Stay tuned for upcoming events and details!