Carolina Hurricanes vs Florida Panthers Picks and Predictions May 22nd 2025

Thriving on the Road, Panthers Seek Commanding Edge Over Hurricanes

The Florida Panthers continue to be the ultimate road warriors this postseason. After their impressive 5-2 win in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final on Tuesday night, the defending Stanley Cup champions are now 6-2 on the road during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. And with Game 2 looming on Thursday in Raleigh, N.C., they’re poised to turn up the pressure on the Carolina Hurricanes even more.

“We don’t feel necessarily any different at home than we do on the road,” Panthers coach Paul Maurice said. “These guys feed off each other’s energy. It’s that brotherhood — it keeps us emotionally even when the crowd’s against us.”

Florida’s 4.75 goals per game on the road lead all playoff teams, and their 2.25 goals-against average trails only the Hurricanes themselves. It’s a formula that’s worked all postseason long: get on the board early, lean into balanced scoring, and count on Sergei Bobrovsky to anchor things in net.

To follow updated playoff projections and real-time betting angles, check out the NHL Odds Page.

Balanced Attack Drives Panthers’ Postseason Surge

While much of the national spotlight has focused on Florida’s superstars, it’s their depth that’s been the game-changer. Eetu Luostarinen leads the team with 13 points, followed closely by Brad Marchand with 12. Eight players total have cracked double digits in points — an indication that Maurice can roll four lines with confidence.

“Our depth has been incredible all year,” said forward Sam Bennett. “From the first puck drop of the playoffs, every guy has stepped up. It’s a full team effort, and that’s why we’re winning.”

Combine that with elite special teams and a red-hot Bobrovsky, and it’s no wonder Florida has looked like the most complete team in the East.

For deeper analysis on the Panthers’ playoff strategy and division dominance, explore the NHL Atlantic Division Odds Blog.

Hurricanes Facing Familiar Struggles in Conference Finals

The Carolina Hurricanes find themselves in a painfully familiar position — trailing in the Eastern Conference Final. Their loss on Tuesday marked the 13th consecutive defeat in conference final games dating back to 2009. Nine of those losses have come under current coach Rod Brind’Amour, including a four-game sweep by these same Panthers in 2023.

“We go over it again and again — how to create more and give up less,” Brind’Amour said. “You can’t hand them freebies. We gave away two goals in Game 1. Take those off the board, and you’ve got a hockey game.”

One glaring issue? Special teams. Carolina went just 1-for-4 on the power play, scoring late when the game was already out of reach. Worse, their penalty kill — one of the best in the league — gave up two goals on just three Florida chances.

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Carolina Needs to Strike First and Convert Chances

The blueprint for the Hurricanes is simple: score first and cash in on their opportunities. When scoring first, they’re a perfect 5-0 in the playoffs. When they fall behind? Just 3-3.

“I thought we had great rush chances early,” said forward Seth Jarvis. “But chances aren’t enough — you’ve got to bury them.”

In a series where every shift is magnified, the margin for error is razor thin. And against a Panthers team that thrives on momentum swings, the Hurricanes can’t afford to waste golden looks.

To see how Carolina stacks up statistically in their division, visit the NHL Metropolitan Division Odds Blog.

Goaltending Battle: Bobrovsky vs. Andersen

Sergei Bobrovsky has been electric for the Panthers, giving them every chance to win even when they start slow. He’s allowed just 2.25 goals per game on the road, keeping things tight even when Carolina brings the heat early.

On the other end, Frederik Andersen must rebound after a rough Game 1. Despite a stellar postseason thus far, he’ll need to deliver a vintage performance if Carolina hopes to even the series.

This series might ultimately come down to which goalie can steal a game. And with the way Florida is scoring, Andersen’s margin for error is minuscule.

Looking for goalie props or save totals? Find expert analysis on the NHL Expert Betting Guide.

Panthers Look to Tighten Grip on the East

Game 2 is more than just another matchup — it’s a potential momentum pivot. A win would put Florida two games away from a second straight Stanley Cup Final, reinforcing their dominance not just over Carolina but the entire conference.

And let’s not forget: the Panthers are already outperforming early odds across their division and the league.

To see how they stack up in Stanley Cup projections, visit the Stanley Cup Odds Blog.

FAQs

Why are the Panthers so good on the road?
Florida thrives on team chemistry and internal energy. They average 4.75 goals per road game and have the second-best road defense in the postseason.

Who leads the Panthers in playoff scoring?
Eetu Luostarinen (13 points) and Brad Marchand (12 points) have paced a deep Florida lineup, with eight players hitting double-digit points.

How bad is Carolina’s conference final skid?
The Hurricanes have lost 13 straight games in the Eastern Conference Final dating back to 2009, including nine under coach Rod Brind’Amour.

What’s hurting the Hurricanes the most right now?
Costly defensive breakdowns and poor special teams play — they allowed two power-play goals in Game 1 and struggled to capitalize on their own chances.

Who starts in goal for Game 2?
Sergei Bobrovsky will start for Florida. Frederik Andersen is expected to start for Carolina despite a shaky performance in Game 1.

Where can I find expert NHL playoff predictions?
Visit the NHL Pick Page for daily analysis, odds movement, and value picks.