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The Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers will clash in the Eastern Conference Playoff finals. The opening match of the series is in North Carolina, with the Hurricanes (-120) favored to take a series lead. Below, we bring you the latest NHL betting picks in our Hurricanes vs. Panthers Game 1 preview.
- What: NHL Eastern Conference Play-Off Finals
- Who: Carolina Hurricanes vs. Florida Panthers
- Where: Lenovo Center, Raleigh, North Carolina
- When: Tuesday, May 20th, 2025
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
The stage is set for a fierce playoff showdown as the Carolina Hurricanes host the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final.
Carolina, backed by a raucous home crowd at the Lenovo Center, brings a deep, disciplined roster and one of the league’s stingiest defenses.
With Sebastian Aho leading the charge, Carolina is looking to set the tone early in the series.
Meanwhile, the Panthers return to familiar territory after last year’s run to the Finals. Powered by the gritty play of Matthew Tkachuk and the poise of goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, Florida will be aiming to steal an early win on the road and assert their experience.
Expect a physical, fast-paced opener as two of the East’s elite collide in what promises to be a heavyweight series from the first puck drop.
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Florida Panthers Betting
The Panthers are the Stanley Cup defending champions. In the latest 2025 NHL Playoffs betting, Florida is also the betting favorite to win the Eastern Conference finals at -130.
In what looks set to be a tight battle, the Carolina Hurricanes are +110 to win the series and take their place in the Stanley Cup.
Moving on to Tuesday’s match, the best NHL betting sites are favoring a win for the home team in the series opener. It is tight, though. Carolina is -120 to win on the money line, with the Florida Panthers at +100.
Florida is receiving the 1.5-point start on the puck line. With the handicap start, the Panthers are -265 to win. Carolina is +215 to win by two points or more and cover the spread.
The total points spread is set at 5.5 goals for this clash. The favorite is under 5.5, at -120, with over at +100.
We have plenty more Carolina Hurricanes vs. Florida Panthers wagering options from the best NHL betting online sites below on our betting odds table. You can also learn more about NHL betting on our How to Bet on Hockey Online page.
| Hurricanes vs. Panthers |  |  |  |
| Hurricanes | -120 | -120 | -120 |
| Panthers | +100 | +100 | +100 |
| Hurricanes (-1.5) | +215 | +215 | +215 |
| Panthers (+1.5) | -265 | -265 | -265 |
| Over 5.5 | +100 | +100 | +100 |
| Under 5.5 | -120 | -120 | -120 |
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Florida Panthers: The story so far
The Hurricanes began their postseason with a commanding performance against the New Jersey Devils, securing the series 4-1.
Carolina’s resilience was on full display in Game 5, where they overcame a 3–0 deficit to win 5–4 in double overtime and clinch the series, thanks to Sebastian Aho’s game-winning goal.
In the second round, Carolina faced the top-seeded Washington Capitals. The opening two games of the series were tightly contested, and the honors were shared.
From then on, the Hurricanes’ depth and defensive prowess prevailed. Rod Brind’Amour’s team reeled off three straight convincing wins to take the series 4-1 and book their place in the Eastern Conference Final.
The Panthers’ playoff journey commenced with a first-round matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Florida dominated the series, winning 4–1, highlighted by Eetu Luostarinen’s four-point performance in the decisive Game 5.
In the second round, Florida faced the Toronto Maple Leafs. After falling behind 0-2 in the series, the Panthers rallied to force a Game 7.
In the decisive game, Florida delivered a commanding 6-1 victory, propelled by Brad Marchand and Luostarinen, each contributing a goal and two assists.
The numbers that got it done 😤 pic.twitter.com/FmRCo7Hy2r
— x – Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) May 19, 2025
In the betting to win the Stanley Cup, last year’s beaten finalists, the Edmonton Oilers, are the +230 favorites to go one better and win this year.
The Florida Panthers are second in the betting at +240, with the Dallas Stars at +275, and the Hurricanes at +330. The bookmakers expect it to be close.
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Florida Panthers Betting Picks and Predictions
The Hurricanes are 8-1-1 in their last ten games, scoring an average of 3.4 goals per match and conceding just 1.7.
Florida is 6-4-0. The Panthers have averaged 3.7 goals per game and given up 2.6.
Given the number of goals both teams are scoring and the Panthers have conceded, we are backing over 5.5 goals for our first pick.
Yes, this goes against the grain and the sportsbooks, but we don’t see any value in backing under. Call it a hunch bet.
Onto our main betting pick, and both teams are coming into the series with momentum.
But, after their 6-1 win in the seventh match against the Maple Leafs, we feel it’s the Panthers who will be the team that enters the match in the ascendancy.
We don’t see any point backing Florida on the puck line at -265. So a win for the Panthers on the money line at +100 is our betting pick.
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