Florida (0-0) at Carolina (0-0)
- When: May 20 2025, 8:00 PM
- Where: Lenovo Center, Raleigh, NC, USA
- TV: TNT
Panthers vs. Hurricanes – Game 1 Preview and Prediction
Moneyline: Carolina -130 | Total: 5.5
The Eastern Conference Final kicks off Tuesday night in Raleigh, and it’s a matchup that’s anything but surprising. The Carolina Hurricanes, one of the NHL’s most fundamentally disciplined teams, will host the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers in Game 1 of what promises to be a tight, physical, grind-it-out series. Carolina is a slim -130 moneyline favorite, with the total set at 5.5 a nod to both teams’ elite defensive structure.
Carolina Hurricanes Overview
Carolina enters this series after dismantling the Capitals and Devils in five games each, a testament to their suffocating defensive style and commitment to detail. Head coach Rod Brind’Amour has now led the Canes to at least one playoff series win in each of his first seven seasons a feat unmatched by any coach in NHL history. Carolina doesn’t wow you with flash. Instead, they wear you down, force turnovers, and capitalize on mistakes.
They’ll likely be without defenseman Jalen Chatfield for Game 1, but that won’t change the overall blueprint: relentless forecheck, puck possession, and a swarm of sticks in the passing lanes. Brind’Amour’s crew leads the postseason in disrupting entries and forcing neutral zone turnovers, and they’ll need that against a Florida team that can be lethal off the rush.
Florida Panthers Overview
The Panthers roll into their third straight conference final with championship experience, swagger, and a roster that’s only gotten deeper. Sam Reinhart continues to be clutch, and Florida’s added pieces like Brad Marchand and Seth Jones have only elevated their game. They swept Carolina in the 2022 East Final, and this year’s squad is arguably better especially with their blue line depth and net-front presence.
Florida isn’t as methodical as Carolina, but they play smart hockey. They’ll look to use their speed to open up space and apply pressure in transition, especially on any mistakes by Carolina’s defense.
Betting Insight & Game 1 Prediction:
With both teams emphasizing structure, puck control, and mistake-free hockey, this is shaping up to be a tight, low-scoring affair. The under 5.5 has clear value given both teams rank top two in defensive efficiency this postseason. Florida has the edge in scoring versatility, but Carolina’s rest advantage and home ice can’t be ignored.
Final Score Prediction: Hurricanes 2, Panthers 1 (OT)
Best Bet: Carolina ML (-130)
Total: Under 5.5 (-130)
Lean Carolina on the moneyline and take the under with confidence. Game 1 screams playoff chess match.
- NHL Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
