NHL ECF: Panthers vs Hurricanes Predictions

**SBR Andy** · 2025-05-20T15:20:50+00:00

NHL Eastern Conference Final predictions from SBR's Gary Pearson:

Panthers to Win Series (-115 Caesars)

"The Hurricanes have been knocking on the Stanley Cup Final door for a few years. And if it were against anyone else, I'd recommend backing them to finally get over the hump. But we're not discussing anyone else; we're talking about the defending Cup champions, a team with more depth than an Academy Award Best Picture winner.

They have a core of players built for postseason success, including Sam Bennett, Matthew Tkachuk, Aleksander Barkov, Sam Reinhart, Aaron Ekblad, Gustav Forsling, and Carter Verhaeghe. While the Hurricanes are an elite defensive outfit, they don't have the offensive prowess of a Panthers team that can score from any position regardless of which line is on the ice.

And new additions Brad Marchand and Seth Jones have arguably been the team's most influential players, with the former tied for the most points (12) with Eetu Luostarinen."

Panthers vs Hurricanes series best bets:

Panthers win series 4-2 (+420 FanDuel)
Exact number of games: 6 (+195 FanDuel)
Correct score after 3 games: Panthers 2-1 (+130 FanDuel)

**SBR Andy** · 2025-05-20T17:36:20+00:00

Panthers vs Hurricanes Game 1 prediction from SBR's Gary Pearson:

Panthers ML (+110 bet365)

"That old chestnut of rest vs. rust could be decisive for Tuesday's Game 1. Since Thursday, the Hurricanes have watched the events unfold between the Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs.

That's five days' rest compared to the Panthers' one. I'm going with the assertion that the Panthers will benefit more as they should be flying, still on a high from beating Toronto again in a relatively stress-free yet dominant fashion.

The Hurricanes have the only remaining unbeaten home record (5-0) but haven't faced a team like the Panthers, who play at a torrid pace with heightened aggressiveness. It could take Carolina a period or two to adjust. Plus, the Panthers boast the best away record (5-2).

Sergei Bobrovsky is back to his elite best, allowing four goals in the previous four games, with a .957 save percentage and 1.01 goals-against average. While Frederik Andersen - among the Conn Smythe Trophy odds favorites - is the best goaltender in the playoffs thus far, Bobrovsky takes that mantle over the aforementioned stretch.

The Panthers' netminder won't have time to come out of his zen zone, while five days off may impact Andersen's timing and focus, if only briefly."

**Headsterx** · 2025-05-20T23:39:46+00:00

Hell yeah! Panthers winning this series and making it a sweep! Bringing out the broom not only for the sweep but for the rats!

**mjsuax13** · 2025-05-21T00:06:10+00:00

Panthers in 6