A full week after their series-clinching Game 5 victory over the New Jersey Devils, the Canes' longest gap in their schedule since the early-February All-Star break brought at least one positive for the group.
Teuvo Teravainen, who suffered a broken hand in the second game in Round 1, returned to the lineup tonight for Carolina, just 28 days after undergoing surgery.
Skating to the left of Jordan Staal and Martin Necas, many had their eyes on the playmaking winger early and wondered what impact he'd have on the game.
Unfortunately, Teravainen and the Canes looked as if they hadn't played in quite some time, coming out of the gate a little sluggish. Having to weather an early storm from Florida, Carolina eventually got to some of their game thanks to a power play in the late stages of the frame.
Although their first attempt left plenty to be desired, a five-on-three opportunity left any negative discussion in the rear-view mirror. Sebastian Aho found a cutting Seth Jarvis and the first lead of the night belonged to the home side.
Coming with just 12 seconds remaining in the first period, the marker sent Carolina to the intermission with the advantage.
In true playoff fashion though, the Panthers came with a heavy response in the second period.
The Metropolitan Division Champions took their foot off the gas and Florida put a push on. Dominating the majority of the second period, the Eastern Conference's second Wild Card seed found twine twice within 2:15, needing just three shots to go from trailing to leading.
Forcing Carolina to play from behind for the third, whatever was said in the home locker room worked magic because the final 20 minutes of regulation all belonged to Rod Brind'Amour's club.
Outshooting Florida 14-2 the rest of the way, the Canes tested Sergei Bobrovsky time after time. However, he was only able to keep his team in front for 3:46.
On their power play for the fourth time on the evening, a broken play concluded with Stefan Noesen knotting the game at 2-2.