The Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers are gearing up for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals tonight. The hosts are looking to bounce back after a bad outing in Game 1, letting their visitors jump out to a 1-0 series lead.
The Panthers took down Carolina by a score of 5-2, but the Canes were at least competitive. Carolina outshot Florida 33-20 over the course of the game, but Frederick Andersen did not have a good performance between the posts. Florida led by two goals midway through the first before Sebastian Aho got one back for Carolina to make it 2-1 at the first intermission.
Florida added another in the second and two more in the third to extend their lead to 5-1. The Hurricanes found one more on the power play but it was far too late, as the Panthers skated away with a three goal victory and a one game series lead. Will they extend that lead tonight before heading back home? Or can Carolina snag one before going on the road?
Florida Panthers vs. Carolina Hurricanes: Eastern Conference Finals, Game 2
Seth Jarvis and the Hurricanes need a win tonight at home
Matchup Information – Panthers vs. Hurricanes
- Venue & Location: Lenovo Center (Raleigh, NC)
- Date: Thursday, May 22, 2025
- Puck Drop: 8:00 p.m. Eastern
- Broadcast: TNT/truTV
Betting Odds
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Puck Line
- Panthers +1.5 (-240)
- Hurricanes -1.5 (+200)
Moneyline
- Panthers +111
- Hurricanes -124
Total
- Over 5.5 (+109)
- Under 5.5 (-125)
Sergei Bobrovsky was in prime form last game, saving 31/33 shots he faced. Freddy Andersen was not. He stopped just 15/20 shots faced with a save percentage of .750, a number lower than any game since last postseason. I would expect he’s able to turn things around tonight, as the Hurricanes were able to contain the Panthers’ attack.
If they are able to do so again, they stand a good shot at winning this game. But they need to kill the penalty better. Florida scored on 2/3 power play opportunities, while the Hurricanes only took advantage of one of their four. This postseason they’ve killed 88% of penalties, so I expect that to improve along with Andersen’s goaltending.
Florida Panthers vs. Carolina Hurricanes Best Bets
Can Carter Verhaeghe and the Panthers steal Game 2 on the road?
Panthers vs. Hurricanes Prediction: Panthers Win, Under 5.5
Best Bets: Panthers ML (+111) BetOnline
However, I do think the Ice Cats come out on top again. They only put up 20 SOGs because that’s all they needed. Bobrovsky is playing like he normally does in the postseason, the defense gets their bodies in front of the puck (21 blocked shots in Game 1), and offensively they have an insane amount of options to choose from.
The Panthers have eight different skaters with double digit points this playoffs, and 11 different players with at least three goals. Everyone is contributing on offense, Bob has found his postseason form, and this team is looking ready to repeat as Stanley Cup Champions. I think they get this win tonight, and possibly finish the job before having to come back to Carolina.
The Hurricanes looked flat, scared, and much less physical than Florida in Game 1. I think the Panthers are much more equipped for playoff hockey, it showed in Game 1, and I see it continuing tonight.
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