Expert prediction
NHL Eastern Conference Finals Game 1: Panthers vs Hurricanes Prediction, Odds, and Picks (May 18)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- A place in the Stanley Cup finals is up for grabs in the Eastern Conference finals
- Carolina Panthers will have home advantage for game one against the Florida Panthers
The path to the Stanley Cup Finals is straightforward for the four remaining sides left in contention, as the conference finals take center stage over the next two weeks. Carolina Hurricanes will be favored in the betting to overcome the Florida Panthers.
How To Watch
- When: Thursday, May 18, 2023, at 8:00 P.M. ET
- Where: PNC Arena, Carolina
- How To Watch: NHL TV
Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Florida Panthers | |
| Carolina Hurricanes |
Team News
Just four teams remains in contention for a place in the Stanley Cup finals this season, and there is an exciting showdown set in the Eastern Conference finals. The Carolina Panthers have purred throughout the playoffs to this point, and they have immediately moved to the top of the outright winner odds. It will be a family affair throughout this season, with Jordan Staal coming up against Marc Staal and Eric Staal of the Panthers.
The Hurricanes have been excellent throughout the playoffs, as they eased to a 4-2 win in the first round over the New York Islanders, before claiming a 4-1 series success over the New Jersey Devils in the previous round. Carolina certainly looks to have an excellent chance of reaching a first Stanley Cup finals since 2006.
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Meanwhile, it has been a long time since the Florida Panthers last reached the conference finals, as they will be looking to compete in the Stanley Cup for the first time since 1996. It could be hard to bet against the Panthers in this series, as they have made a habit of upsetting throughout their run to this stage.
In the first round, they came up against the record-breaking Boston Bruins, but the Panthers progressed following a victory in game seven. They were once again outsiders in the betting for their showdown against the Toronto Maple Leafs, but they brushed the fourth-ranked side aside with a 4-1 success. Their form has been strong throughout the playoffs, and the Canes will need to be at their very best to secure a spot in the Stanley Cup Finals.
Picks
This could be a thrilling conference finals in prospect, as the Panthers have shown throughout the playoffs that they are capable of producing shock results. However, we will be siding with the experienced Canes in game one.
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