Carolina Hurricanes vs Florida Panthers Picks and Predictions May 28th 2025

Hurricanes Return to Raleigh with Renewed Hope

The Carolina Hurricanes have finally found life in the Eastern Conference Finals, staving off elimination with a dominant 3-0 road win over the Florida Panthers in Game 4. Now back home in Raleigh, the Hurricanes look to replicate that effort in Wednesday’s Game 5, still trailing 3-1 in the best-of-seven series.

The victory marked Carolina’s first conference final win since June 1, 2006, snapping a painful stretch of three consecutive sweeps in their past appearances. After being outscored 16-4 in the first three games, the Hurricanes responded with grit and defensive discipline to stay alive.

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Young Stars Shine as Hurricanes Shift Momentum

The Game 4 win saw contributions from both veteran and emerging talent. Rookie Logan Stankoven continued his breakout postseason, opening the scoring with his fifth playoff goal and second game-winner, making him the first rookie in franchise history with multiple game-winning tallies in one postseason.

Sebastian Aho, whom head coach Rod Brind’Amour had publicly challenged earlier in the series, also stepped up with the insurance goal, giving Carolina much-needed production from its core.

Between the pipes, Frederik Andersen returned to the net and delivered a 20-save shutout after Pyotr Kochetkov started Game 3. The veteran’s calming presence could be a critical factor as the series heads back to Raleigh.

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Panthers Prepare for a Stronger Fight

Florida failed to close out the series on their first attempt and acknowledged the need to improve their focus in elimination games. Forward Carter Verhaeghe emphasized the importance of matching Carolina’s intensity and desperation in Game 5.

Injury concerns loom for the Panthers, with Sam Reinhart (lower-body), A.J. Greer, and defenseman Niko Mikkola all listed day-to-day. Each participated in an optional practice Tuesday and will be evaluated ahead of Wednesday’s matchup.

Their availability could provide a needed boost as Florida tries to avoid heading back home for a Game 6.

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Game 5 Outlook

Momentum may have shifted slightly, but the Hurricanes still face an uphill battle, needing to win three straight to complete the comeback. Their mix of youth energy, veteran response, and goaltending composure must remain sharp against a seasoned Florida team hungry to return to the Stanley Cup Final.

Keep track of betting trends, expert opinions, and game-day breakdowns at Scores and Stats NHL as the Eastern Conference Finals continue.