This Eastern matchup is a rematch of the 2023 conference finals, won by the Panthers in a sweep. Carolina's three conference finals appearances since 2019 are tied with the Edmonton Oilers, Tampa Bay Lightning and Vegas Golden Knights for the second most in the NHL. Logan Stankoven is expected to make his Eastern Conference finals debut, after he appeared in the Western Conference finals with the Stars last year in his first NHL season. He will join Ville Leino (2009 and 2010) as the only players to play in both the Eastern and Western Conference finals in their first two seasons in the NHL (since 1994). Carolina won its 10th playoff series under Brind'Amour since 2019; only the Lightning (11) have more series wins during that span.