NHL Playoffs 2023: Top Storylines, Schedule for Panthers vs. Hurricanes Game 2

The Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes return to the ice on Saturday night (8 p.m. ET. TNT) after their four-overtime epic in Game 1.

Florida took the early lead in the series behind Matthew Tkachuk's game-winning goal in the seventh period of play on Thursday night.

Tkachuk's goal could serve as a confidence boost for player and team as the Panthers try to win two straight road contests.

Carolina needs to find a way to regroup after a tough loss on home ice that took so much out of the team emotionally and physically.

Thursday's loss was Carolina's first defeat in the opening two games of a series this postseason.

The Hurricanes won the first period in Game 1, and they need to do the same thing on Saturday to set the tone in Game 2.

How Will Overtime Win Affect Matthew Tkachuk, Panthers

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RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 19: Matthew Tkachuk #19 of the Florida Panthers celebrates with his teammates after scoring the game winning goal on Frederik Andersen #31 of the Carolina Hurricanes in fourth overtime in Game One of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PNC Arena on May 19, 2023 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The Panthers hold the clear edge in the series in every department going into Game 2.

Florida will at least go home for Game 3 with one victory over the Hurricanes, and with a potentially reinvigorated Tkachuk on the ice.

The 40-goal scorer in the regular season ended a six-game scoreless drought with his game-winning tally on Thursday night.

Tkachuk was active in other parts of the Florida offense during that span. He had 13 shots on goal and four assists in the second round against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

But Florida needed Tkachuk to score more to deal with Carolina's tough defense, and it got just that in Game 1.

Thursday's win could do wonders for Florida's overall confidence because it proved it can outlast the Hurricanes on their home ice.

The victory may also provide a confidence boost for Tkachuk, who could be a menace to the Carolina defense for the rest of the series.

Carolina Needs Fast Start To Erase Game 1 Blues

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RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 18: Stefan Noesen #23 of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrates with teammates Martin Necas #88 and Sebastian Aho #20 after scoring a goal on Sergei Bobrovsky #72 of the Florida Panthers during the third period in Game One of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PNC Arena on May 18, 2023 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Carolina needs to get the sour taste of the Game 1 loss out of its system as soon as possible.

The Hurricanes can't afford to waste two opportunities to win on home ice at this stage of the postseason.

A fast start is required for the Hurricanes to erase any lingering frustration from Thursday's loss.

They started well in Game 1, as Seth Jarvis scored a power-play goal right before the first intermission. Carolina kept that advantage for 15 minutes of the second period.

The good news is both Carolina goals were scored on the man advantage. The special teams play could be the real difference-maker in Game 2.

But it also concerning that the Hurricanes did not score in a five-on-five situation over seven periods.

An early even-strength goal would ease a lot of nerves inside PNC Arena and give the Hurricanes confidence that they can beat Sergei Bobrovsky in Game 2, and for the rest of the series, with 10 skaters on the ice.