For the second time in the past three seasons, the Carolina Hurricanes are heading to the Eastern Conference Final.
The Hurricanes, who dispatched the Washington Capitals on May 15, still await their oppenent in the penulitmate round. The Canes will face the winner of the second round series between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Florida Panthers. The two teams faceoff in a Game 7 on Sunday, May 18 at 7:30 p.m.
Because of regular season standings, if the Leafs win, Carolina will not have home-ice advantage and will play Game 1 and 2 in Toronto. If the Panthers win, Carolina will have home-ice advantage, playing Game 1 and 2 in Raleigh. The NHL said in a release that, regardless of opponent, the Eastern Conference will be at the same date and time.
IF TORONTO WINS GAME 7 ON SUNDAY:
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Game 1: at Toronto, Tuesday, May 20, 8 p.m. (TNT, 99.9 The Fan)
Game 2: at Toronto, Thursday, May 22, 8 p.m. (TNT, 99.9 The Fan)
Game 3: at Carolina, Saturday, May 24, 8 p.m. (TNT, 99.9 The Fan)
Game 4: at Carolina, Monday, May 26, 8 p.m. (TNT, 99.9 The Fan)
Game 5: at Toronto (if necessary), Wednesday, May 28, 8 p.m. (TNT, 99.9 The Fan)
Game 6: at Carolina (if necessary), Friday, May 30, 8 p.m. (TNT, 99.9 The Fan)
Game 7: at Toronto (if necessary), Tuesday, June 1, 8 p.m. (TNT, 99.9 The Fan)
IF FLORIDA WINS GAME 7 ON SUNDAY:
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Florida Panthers
Game 1: at Carolina, Tuesday, May 20, 8 p.m. (TNT, 99.9 The Fan)
Game 2: at Carolina, Thursday, May 22, 8 p.m. (TNT, 99.9 The Fan)
Game 3: at Florida, Saturday, May 24, 8 p.m. (TNT, 99.9 The Fan)
Game 4: at Florida, Monday, May 26, 8 p.m. (TNT, 99.9 The Fan)
Game 5: at Carolina (if necessary), Wednesday, May 28, 8 p.m. (TNT, 99.9 The Fan)
Game 6: at Florida (if necessary), Friday, May 30, 8 p.m. (TNT, 99.9 The Fan)
Game 7: at Carolina (if necessary), Tuesday, June 1, 8 p.m. (TNT, 99.9 The Fan)
After each playoff game, WRAL’s Chris Lea and Pat Welter will break down the biggest moments with insider analysis from former NHL pro Shane Willis. Tune into WRAL at 11:25 p.m. for postgame coverage.
Canes fans can get Eastern Conference final tickets starting Friday