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Why Florida Panthers are ‘another animal’ compared to Hurricanes

Former NHLer Riley Cote explains that while he sees the Carolina Hurricanes as a strong, consistent team — the Florida Panthers are ‘just a different animal.’

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The Carolina Hurricanes finally snapped their perplexing 15-game losing streak in the conference finals with their backs against the wall. Another win Wednesday night against the Florida Panthers could flip momentum in the Eastern Conference finals firmly back to their side.

The Hurricanes return home to Raleigh, North Carolina, down 3-1 in the series after fighting off elimination in Game 4. A Carolina victory Wednesday night would send the series back to Sunrise, Florida, for Game 6. But if the Panthers win Game 5 they’ll collect the Prince of Wales Trophy and advance to the Stanley Cup Final for the third consecutive year.

USA TODAY is providing live updates for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals between the Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers. Follow along:

What time is Panthers vs. Hurricanes Game 5?

Game 5 of the Carolina Hurricanes-Florida Panthers series is set to begin at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina.

How to watch Panthers vs. Hurricanes NHL playoff game: TV, streamTime: 8 p.m. ETLocation: Lenovo Center (Raleigh, North Carolina)TV: TNT/truTVStream: Sling, Max

The Panthers’ power play went 0-for-8 in the two games that Sam Reinhart has missed. He had 13 goals and 17 assists on the power play during the regular season, though just two power-play assists this postseason.

The Hurricanes will be without injured defensemen Jalen Chatfield and Sean Walker again for Game 5. That means rookies Scott Morrow and Alexander Nikishin will remain in the lineup.

Panthers coach Paul Maurice said Sam Reinhart, Niko Mikkola and A.J. Greer are expected to return from injuries and play in Game 5. Reinhart was hurt in Game 2 and Mikkola and Greer were injured in Game 3. Maurice said none of the players would have limitations on their minutes.