The Florida Panthers have a 1-0 series lead over the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final. Just two days after winning Game 7 in Toronto in blowout fashion, the Panthers smothered the Hurricanes with a 5-2 win in Game 1.

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 Florida Panthers were on their way to becoming the NHL's standard, headed to the Stanley Cup Final two years ago before returning to win the Cup last year.

The Panthers are averaging an NHL-best 4.75 goals per game on the road this spring. Their 2.25 goals-against average is second in the league behind the Hurricanes, who had allowed more than two goals in a game just once at home this postseason before Tuesday's result.

Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Florida Panthers and the Carolina Hurricanes was cut short for Brad Marchand.

On Tuesday night, Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky played a pivotal role in his team’s 5-2 Game 1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes. Bobrovsky stopped 31 of 33 shots, but beyond the stat line, the netminder grabbed most headlines on the night because of a collision that sparked serious concern.

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.’