The last time the Panthers visited North Carolina, they were finishing off another disappointing season, seemingly playing out the string. The host Hurricanes, meanwhile, had a division title in sight, the only thing in their way was a win over Florida.

Easy, right? After all, the Panthers had nothing to play for, and came into the game winless in their previous 15 games at RBC Center.

The Panthers played spoiler that night, stunning the sellout crowd in Raleigh and all but ending the Hurricanes' postseason dreams with a 4-3 victory on April 3.

The two meet again Friday night in the season opener for both.

''We haven't had much luck there, so it was nice to win there,'' center Nathan Horton said. ``But this is a different year and there are different guys. I think everyone is coming with a different attitude. We broke the streak, so no one is talking about it. We just want to go up there, win and get those two points.''

Pete DeBoer makes his NHL coaching debut Friday, the former Canadian junior coach looking forward to his first regular-season game as a professional coach.

And Friday's game will be special to DeBoer in another way. He's had a close relationship with the Carolina management, as Carolina owner Peter Karmanos gave DeBoer his first head coaching job with the Detroit Whalers in 1995. DeBoer was an assistant coach in Detroit when current Carolina general manager Jim Rutherford was GM of the junior team.

''I'm excited,'' DeBoer said. ``I think the guys are ready. This is a new group, a new team and an opportunity for a fresh start. There's a lot of encouraging signs. I hope we can carry that over into the start of the season.''

Forward Cory Stillman will make his Florida debut in a familiar place, the Panthers' free agent signee playing in Carolina from 2005-08. Stillman may take in the sights during the morning skate, gazing up at the Stanley Cup championship banner he helped the Hurricanes win in 2006.

The rest of the Panthers just want to get in and get out with two points. Carolina has arguably become Florida's biggest rival the past few seasons, and now that Florida has a signature win against the Hurricanes, it could get a little testy.

''We know it's going to be a tough game, but we know we can beat them at their own place,'' said winger David Booth. "With a new team, a new coach, we'll be ready to go.''

• Three of Florida's four injured players skated Thursday at BankAtlantic Center and will be evaluated further before it's determined whether they can play. Booth (back) and Stephen Weiss (groin) were activiated off the injured list Thursday and will play against the Hurricanes. Rookie Shawn Matthias and Michael Frolik were sent to AHL Rochester (N.Y.). Radek Dvorak (ribs) is questionable and Karlis Skrastins (neck) is out.

DeBoer said Skrastins will fly to Los Angeles to see a specialist about his injury.

• Free agent defenseman Jassen Cullimore did not practice; general manager Jacques Martin said Wednesday he was trying to work out a contract with the veteran blueliner. Cullimore came to training camp on a try-out basis. Cory Murphy, who cleared waivers on Wednesday, practiced and remained on the active roster.

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