Hurricanes Win First East Finals Game in 20 Years, Trail Series 3-1

RALEIGH, N.C. — Frederik Andersen returned to the net for the Carolina Hurricanes and delivered a stellar performance, stopping 20 shots for his fifth career playoff shutout. Carolina defeated the Florida Panthers 3-0 on Monday night, marking the Hurricanes’ first Eastern Conference Finals victory in 20 years.

Logan Stankoven scored the only goal Carolina needed, netting it midway through the second period. The goal came from a cross-ice pass by Alexander Nikishin, allowing Stankoven to glide in alone on Florida goalie Sergei Bobrovsky and score over his right shoulder.

With the win, the Hurricanes avoided a sweep and now trail the series 3-1. This victory was particularly significant, as Carolina had suffered through a 15-game losing streak in the East finals, last winning a game in 2006 against the Buffalo Sabres.

Star forwards Sebastian Aho and Jordan Staal added empty-net goals later in the game, securing the victory for the Hurricanes. Carolina dominated the first two periods, limiting the reigning Stanley Cup champions to just 12 shots.

Andersen had previously been pulled from the game during a tough stretch against the Panthers in the series, allowing nine goals in two games before this shutout. Carolina coach Rod Brind'Amour praised Andersen’s resilience and ability to return to form.

“He has been great for us all year,” Brind’Amour said. “He had a nice couple of days off, so it makes sense.”

Looking ahead, Carolina has regained some momentum but still faces a difficult challenge. The team is attempting to come back from a 3-0 series deficit, a feat only accomplished by a few teams in NHL history. Game 5 is set for Wednesday in Raleigh, with hopes high for the Hurricanes to extend the series.