Carolina Hurricanes vs Florida Panthers Picks and Predictions May 20th 2025

Panthers, Hurricanes Took Familiar Path to East Finals

Grit and Precision Define a Familiar Clash

The Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes pride themselves on making the simple plays — nothing flashy, just calculated execution. Over the past few seasons, this shared philosophy has made them consistent contenders in both the regular season and the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Now, once again, the two disciplined juggernauts meet in the Eastern Conference finals, which begin Tuesday night with Game 1 in Raleigh, N.C.

Track Real-Time Rankings On The Best Handicappers Leaderboard.

Florida is appearing in its third straight conference final, while Carolina has advanced to the East’s final four in two of the last three years.

“We know there’s a tremendous amount of work left,” Panthers forward Sam Reinhart said. “It certainly doesn’t get easier against a team like Carolina. We’ve seen them year in, year out… we’ve had a series against them that was as tight as any.”

Panthers Aim to Repeat, Canes Aim to Avenge

Two years ago, Florida swept Carolina in this very round. The Panthers would fall in the Stanley Cup Final to Vegas, but returned last season and completed the job, defeating the Edmonton Oilers in seven games to capture the franchise’s first title.

This time around, Florida enters as the defending champions and will face a Hurricanes team that has made key additions — most notably, veterans Brad Marchand and Seth Jones — to bolster its postseason push.

“We know we’re playing the Stanley Cup champs,” Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said. “They got better, in my opinion. It’s going to be a challenge. But it’s supposed to be at this time of year.”

Discipline, Detail, and Defensive DNA

Brind’Amour’s Hurricanes are masters of structure. While their style may not dominate highlight reels, their attention to detail has consistently translated into playoff wins. Carolina swept the Devils and took down the Capitals in five games, allowing them to enter the conference finals with confidence and rhythm.

“There’s no team in the league like them,” said Capitals coach Spencer Carbery. “You can just tell the experience and the calmness of their group through various points in the series.”

In turn, Florida brings a tested, physical game of its own, led by an elite core and playoff resilience. For fans and bettors looking for insight as this chess match unfolds, exploring NHL predictions and picks could be a great way to understand how this tactical series might play out.

Accountability and Consistency Key for Canes

The Panthers may bring a banner, but the Hurricanes have built an identity on internal accountability. Carolina forward Logan Stankoven says that what separates this team is how every player polices the details.

Struggling With Your NHL Bets?

Discover Winning Strategies Today!

Start Now!

Wondering Where To Start? The Expert Betting Guide Has Everything You Need.

“Sometimes those details and a little bit of the work ethic fades,” Stankoven said. “But guys hold each other accountable, and Rod does a great job preparing us.”

Brind’Amour, the first coach in NHL history to win at least one playoff series in each of his first seven seasons with the same franchise, believes in the fundamentals — and the Hurricanes rarely beat themselves.

Jalen Chatfield is expected to miss Game 1 for Carolina with an undisclosed injury, but the team remains confident in its depth.