Predictions, Picks, and Odds for Game 2 between Panthers and Hurricanes (Thursday, May 22)
The Eastern Conference finals continue on Thursday night as the Florida Panthers look to capitalize on their Game 1 victory against the Carolina Hurricanes. The Panthers, who are 6-2 on the road in the playoffs, have an opportunity to take a commanding 2-0 series lead, with history somewhat on their side – teams that win the first two games in an NHL playoff series go on to achieve victory in 87 percent of cases.
In Game 1, the Panthers handed Carolina their first home loss of the playoffs, securing a 5-2 victory. The Hurricanes, who boast a 36-10-1 record at home this season, will search for redemption in their own arena. The underdog has won the last four games between these two teams, and the Panthers (43-52 ATS) will aim to make it five in a row on Thursday.
As for the odds for Game 2 in Raleigh, the Hurricanes are 1.5-goal favorites on the puck line, with the total set at 5.5. Both teams have been consistent under bets this season, but Florida's last six road games have all gone over, providing some intrigue for those considering the over/under.
Looking at the moneyline, the best value on Florida can be found at Caesars and BetMGM (+110), while Carolina is offered at -128 at FanDuel. For those interested in props, Canes forward Seth Jarvis has at least one point in 15 of the last 16 Carolina home games.
With the importance of Game 2 looming, I have analyzed the odds in depth, and here are my picks and predictions for the Panthers vs Canes matchup.
Game 2 Picks and Predictions: Panthers vs Hurricanes
- Panthers +1.5 (-245 at DraftKings): The Panthers' high-scoring performance in Game 1 offers a strong foundation for them to continue Carolina's 14-game Eastern Conference Final losing streak. Their win in Game 1 might also boost their confidence, making them an appealing choice for the +1.5 puck line.
- Over 5.5 (+102 at DraftKings): The over/under line of 5.5 suggests a more modest scoring game, but the Panthers' performance in Game 1 may indicate the potential for a higher-scoring affair on Thursday. Both teams possess potent offenses, making the over an attractive proposition.
The Panthers have several key players that could be crucial in determining the game's outcome, such as Eetu Luostarinen, who leads all players in scoring this postseason. The Hurricanes, too, boast talented players like Sebastian Aho, who had a goal and six shots in Game 1, and Andrei Svechnikov, who has eight goals in the playoffs.
In conclusion, the Florida Panthers aim to build on their Game 1 success, while the Carolina Hurricanes search for answers to halt their ongoing losing streak in the Eastern Conference finals. With both teams possessing highly-skilled players and a history of strong offensive performances, look for an entertaining, high-scoring Game 2 that may favor the underdog Panthers.
- The Eastern Conference finals' undecided game will see the Florida Panthers, emphasizing their Game 1 triumph, face the Carolina Hurricanes, who are striving for redemption.
- The underdog Panthers, who have won the last four games between these two teams and have a record of 43-52 ATS, aim to make it five consecutive victories in Game 2.
- For Game 2, the Hurricanes are 1.5-goal favorites on the puck line, while the total is set at 5.5. The Panthers' last six road games have gone over, offering intrigue for over/under bettors.
- The on- form Florida Panthers, with Eetu Luostarinen leading all players in scoring this postseason,face off against the talented Carolina Hurricanes in Game 2, potentially leading to a high-scoring, entertaining contest.