The Carolina Hurricanes fell 5-2 to the Florida Panthers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final Tuesday night at Lenovo Center. It was a disappointing result for the team, but is it one that could prompt some changes for Game 2? When asked about potential line tweaks to try and find more finish, Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour pushed back on the thought. "There's a fine line and I don't know what changing lines would do," Brind'Amour said on Wednesday. "You have to figure out how the game's going and then make your adjustments from there. Like I said, I didn't mind the game. I liked large parts of it. We're playing the best team and so we know it's going to be hard to get our chances." The Hockey News Playoff Frenzy Live discusses Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final. However, what was notable was that the team had an optional skate on Thursday morning and Mark Jankowski was not taking part in it while Jesperi Kotkaniemi was. Jankowski played just three games for Carolina this postseason before getting injured in Game 1 of the second-round series against the Washington Capitals. The 6-foot-4 centerman is a strong depth option for the team, with his crazy scoring touch, good faceoff numbers and ability to play on the penalty kill. Kotkaniemi on the other hand has just three points this series, a sub 50% faceoff win rate and hasn't scored a goal since February 1. He's been fine, playing a good defensive game and bringing a bit of physicality, but he certainly hasn't been a difference maker at all. Brind'Amour said Mark Jankowski is 100% healthy now and he could be an option for the team tonight. "He's been a consideration for probably the last three or four games, I think," Brind'Amour said. "So he's ready to go if I decide to use him." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be sure to check out the Carolina Hurricanes 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs Hub [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/carolina-hurricanes/latest-news/carolina-hurricanes-2025-stanley-cup-playoffs-hub] for all postseason stories! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stay updated with the most interesting Carolina Hurricanes stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwmeDfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] to never miss a story.
