Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out.

Two days after a Game 7 triumph in Toronto, the Florida Panthers square off with the Carolina Hurricanes in the NHL's Eastern Conference Final.

Both the Hurricanes and the Panthers have excellent recent playoff records, and both look even more powerful this season.