As the anticipation builds for the Eastern Conference Final between the Florida Panthers and the Carolina Hurricanes, tensions are already running high—both on and off the ice. With Game 1 set to ignite the series, the spotlight isn’t just on the players’ skills, but also on the drama unfolding behind the scenes.

The league’s decision to set up the Panthers’ pre- and post-game press conferences inside their own gym has sparked irritation among the Florida squad, with star forward Matthew Tkachuk making his displeasure known in a way that’s hard to ignore.

While the Hurricanes prepare to defend their home ice advantage, the Panthers are channeling every bit of frustration into motivation, determined to prove themselves once again as the reigning champions. The atmosphere is charged, emotions are flaring, and the mind games have already begun before the puck even drops. With both teams hungry for victory and eager to make a statement, this series promises to deliver not only high-octane hockey, but also plenty of off-ice fireworks that will keep fans and analysts talking long after the final whistle.

The Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes are getting ready to begin their Eastern Conference Final matchup. Game 1 between the two teams is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, May 20, at 8 p.m. ET.

Carolina has home-ice advantage heading into the series, potentially giving them a slight edge over Florida. But the Panthers have shown extreme toughness throughout the playoffs and are still the defending champions.

Naturally, everyone wants to hear what the players think about the series, and media times are set throughout the series. But the league seems to have already angered the Panthers with this.

According to Michael Russo of The Athletic, Florida wasn’t happy about the setup of the pre- and post-game press conference areas. The league put the area in the Panthers’ gym, so some players took it upon themselves to make extra noise ahead of Game 1.

“The Panthers aren’t pleased the NHL has set up the pre and postgame news conference area literally in their gym, so naturally Matthew Tkachuk started slamming the medicine ball against the wall the second the Jordan Staal/Taylor Hall presser starts”

Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) sits on the ice and watches game play against the San Jose Sharks during the first period at SAP Center at San Jose. Robert Edwards-Imagn Images

This tactic from Tkachuk likely won’t get the league to move the press conference area, but it could cause some annoyance for the players. If anything, this could be more motivation for either side heading into Game 1.

The Hurricanes can use it to shut him up over this tactic, and the Panthers may use it as fuel to steal a road game. Overall, this series has a lot of emotion in it, and fans can already feel that before the puck has hit the ice between the two teams.