Home Ice Advantage Needed in Carolina

The Carolina Hurricanes have the home-ice advantage to start the Eastern Conference Finals when they host the Florida Panthers tomorrow night.

The road warriors of Southern Florida would love nothing more than to take the first game of the series at PNC Arena. The tempo has been set away from home in their two prior series victories.

In fact, the Panthers have won just 2 of 7 playoff games in Florida this year. The away record is much different having won 6 of 7 games as the visitors.

As far as things go with Carolina, the Canes have faired well both at home and on the road, with a slight edge on home ice in front of the Caniacs. The Canes have won 5 of 6 games at PNC Arena this playoff and…