Bodog Beat

The Panthers visit the Hurricanes tonight. (AP Images)

After being away from home for the better part of a month, the Florida Panthers returned home after their games in Helsinki and hit the road again.

The Panthers open their North American leg of the season Friday in Raleigh against Southeast Division rival Carolina. The Panthers opened last season against the Hurricanes, dropping a 6-4 decision.

Florida won three of the six games against the Hurricanes last season, getting at least a point in two of the losses. Florida lost two of three in Raleigh but earned a 5-0 win in its last visit of the season there.

The Hurricanes, who played Tuesday against Tampa Bay without Erik Cole, will continue to make adjustments with an altered lineup as they prepare for the Panthers.

Carolina won the game 2-1 in a shootout thanks to two big saves by Cam Ward.

Florida is only 5-22-3 in the last 30 meetings in Carolina.

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