Florida (1-0) at Carolina (0-1)
- When: May 22 2025, 8:00 PM
- Where: Lenovo Center, Raleigh, NC, USA
- TV: TNT
Panthers vs. Hurricanes – Game 2 Preview and Prediction
Moneyline: Carolina -130 | Total: 5.5
The Panthers seem to have no issue playing the villain on the road in fact, they’re thriving in the role. Florida, now 7-2 as the away team in the playoffs, silenced the crowd in Raleigh with a dominant 5-2 Game 1 win over the Hurricanes, and they’ll try to do it again Thursday night.
Florida Betting Outlook
The Panthers’ success away from Sunrise isn’t luck it’s backed by cold, hard numbers. They’re scoring an NHL-best 4.75 goals per game on the road this postseason and allowing just 2.25. Coach Paul Maurice credits team chemistry for their mental toughness, and it’s showing on the scoresheet. Depth has been key: Eetu Luostarinen and Brad Marchand have combined for 25 points, and eight Panthers have hit double-digit scoring in the playoffs. That balance gives them the edge in every matchup.
Florida’s confidence, plus elite goaltending from Sergei Bobrovsky and relentless forechecking, gives bettors strong reason to back them again in Game 2 especially at plus-money odds.
Carolina Betting Outlook
The Hurricanes are facing a brutal stat: they’ve now dropped 13 straight conference final games, including five straight to the Panthers dating back to last year’s sweep. Coach Rod Brind’Amour’s squad is solid defensively, but even they couldn’t stop the onslaught in Game 1. Giving up two power-play goals and a couple of costly turnovers buried them.
Carolina’s power play went 1-for-4, with their lone goal coming when the game was already out of reach. If the Canes want any shot of evening the series, they’ll need to tighten up on special teams and be more efficient in converting their offensive zone chances especially early. They’re 5-0 when scoring first in these playoffs, so a strong start is critical.
Betting Prediction
The value lies with Florida as a slight underdog again. They’ve got the hotter goalie, more balanced scoring, and a psychological edge. Until the Canes prove otherwise, ride with the Panthers to win again and take a commanding 2-0 series lead.
Final Score Prediction: Panthers 4, Hurricanes 2
Best Bet: Florida ML (+110)
Total: Over 5.5 (+105)
- NHL Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
