Florida Stuns Carolina in Back-to-Back Games
The Eastern Conference Finals couldn’t be going any better than it has been for the Florida Panthers. They have beaten the Carolina Hurricanes in the first two games, both played on the road. Both games were settled in overtime.
Game 1 was a marathon four-overtime affair and Game 2 required extra hockey as well. As the series shifts over to Florida, which team is the best bet for your NHL picks?
Hurricanes Lose All Momentum
The Carolina Hurricanes entered the series with a head of steam but they’ve completely hit a wall. Despite being competitive in the first two games, those who bet online have seen them lose back-to-back overtime games at home in front of their fans.
There’s no worse way to kick a series off than this. The Hurricanes are going to hit the road for Game 3 with absolutely no momentum and they’ll be tasked with creating a catalyst anyway possible.
The Hurricanes know that time is running out to respond in this series but they’re not going to shy rom the challenge.
Head coach Rod Brind’Amour said, “It’s not new to us. We’ve been kicked in the teeth a lot these last few years and we’ve always responded, so I’m pretty sure we will the next game.”
One negative trend to keep in mind if you’re handicapping the NHL odds here: the Hurricanes have lost 10 straight games in the Eastern Conference Finals coming into this.
Panthers Historic Run Continues
Last season, the Panthers entered the postseason as the Presidents’ Trophy winners and flamed out quickly. This year, they barely snuck in and are making the most of their opportunity.
They were a dog in the sportsbook in this series but now hold a 2-0 series lead in the Eastern Conference Finals. Much of their success in this series in particular has been generated by Matthew Tkachuk. He was able to not only win the first game by scoring the overtime goal, but he did it again in Game 2.
The only difference was that he scored the second overtime goal significantly quicker than the first.
Every time that Florida has needed to answer, Tkachuk has proven to be up for the challenge. Though this team isn’t just him. Everybody in this organization has full confidence that this could be a team of destiny.
Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky deserves a lot of credit. He has given up just three goals in two games in this series. He now has an incredible .931 save percentage in the playoffs.
Hurricanes vs Panthers Game Injuries
Hurricanes vs Panthers Head-to-Head
The Hurricanes won two of the three regular season games against the Panthers. Though losing back-to-back playoff games means that Florida holds the season series lead with three games to two.
Hurricanes vs Panthers Game Information
- Game: Hurricanes (52-21-9) vs Panthers (42-32-8)
- Location: FLA Live Arena, Sunrise, FL
- Day/Time: Monday, May 22, 8 p.m. ET
- Hurricanes vs Panthers Live Stream: NHL.TV
Hurricanes vs Panthers Betting Lines
Hurricanes vs Panthers Picks and Prediction
It’s hard to imagine that the Hurricanes won’t respond after the first two games. However, it’s going to be incredibly tough to do so. They have no momentum to speak of, have lost both games at home and couldn’t be more exhausted following two overtime contests.
Furthermore, Florida knows what to expect here. The Panthers won the first two games on the road in Toronto in the last round and then came home. They had to weather an early storm but they took Toronto’s best punch and ended up winning Game 3.
NHL Live betting might be a good option here. If the Hurricanes can’t get ahead in the first 10-15 minutes and the Panthers have weathered the storm, the Panthers should be a good option.
If you’re looking at the NHL betting lines pre-game, stick with the Panthers. It’s a short line on them and there’s no reason to think they can’t again edge the Canes.
Hurricanes vs Panthers Trends
Hurricanes vs Panthers Edge
Hurricanes vs Panthers Results
Hurricanes vs Panthers Game Summary
