After an impressive 5-2 win against the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1, the Florida Panthers will look to stay hot in Game 2. A win in Game 2 would be significant for the Panthers, as they have a 2-0 series lead before heading back home for Games 3 and 4. Thus, this matchup is incredibly important for the Panthers.
However, the Hurricanes will certainly not make things easy for the Panthers in this contest after their tough loss in Game 1. Due to this, the Panthers will need their entire club to be on their A-game, but they will especially be hoping for these three players to shine.
Sergei Bobrovsky
Bobrovsky was one of the major reasons why the Panthers secured a win in Game 1. The 36-year-old goaltender put together a strong performance for the Cats, saving 31 out of 33 Hurricanes shots. This was after he stopped 19 out of 20 shots in the Panthers' Game 7 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs last round.
Bobrovsky has been thriving for the Panthers lately, and he will look to continue to do so in Game 2. If he does, it will help Florida's chances of picking up another victory.
Eetu Luostarinen
Luostarinen has been such a great story this post-season. He currently has four goals and a team-leading 13 points in 13 contests. With this, he is starting to cement himself as a crucial part of the Panthers' offense in the process. He is also showing no signs of slowing down, posting two goals, four points, and a plus-4 rating in his last two games alone.
Luostarinen has given the Panthers great offensive production on their third line, and it would be huge if this carries over to Game 2 against the Hurricanes. It will be interesting to see if he can do just that.
Aaron Ekblad
Ekblad will also be a player to watch on for the Panthers in Game 2. With the Hurricanes needing a win, they will likely come up extra motivated. With Ekblad being the Panthers' No. 1 defenseman, the Cats are going to need him to be at his best because of this.
Ekblad has been excellent for the Panthers this post-season, posting three goals, seven points, and a plus-4 rating in nine games. If he continues to provide offense and does well at shutting down the Canes, it will benefit the Panthers immensely.
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