Panthers vs Hurricanes Prediction, Picks and NHL Eastern Conference Final Odds For May 22: Florida Grabs 2-0 Lead

The Florida Panthers are a value underdog in our NHL betting odds as they attempt to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference finals against the host Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday night.

The Panthers handled Carolina 5-2 in Game 1 on Tuesday as 11 different players posted a point and Sergei Bobrovsky made 31 saves. Florida is now the favorite in the NHL futures to win the Stanley Cup at +165.

The Hurricanes received goals from forwards Sebastian Aho and Jackson Blake in Game 1 and outshot the Panthers 33-20. Seth Jarvis (12 playoff points) and Aho (11) are probably your safest and best NHL prop bets today for Carolina.

Panthers vs Hurricanes Prediction Today, May 22

Panthers 3, Hurricanes 2

Carolina really needed to win Game 1 and the Hurricanes now have the weight of the season on their backs. Florida did not show any fatigue from having far less rest and has four lines and six defensemen contributing offensively.

Panthers vs Hurricanes Best NHL Player Props Today

• Florida’s Sam Reinhart to Score 1+ Goals (+200)

Reinhart is a pure goal scorer and is due to break out. The 29-year-old owns four goals in the playoffs and has been held to two shots on net in his past three games after posting 13 in the previous two. Reinhart had 10 goals in the 2024 postseason and we think he is a good free NHL pick on Thursday.

Bet on Sam Reinhart to Score 1+ Goals (+200)

SAM REINHART… It’s 5-1 Panthers 😶 pic.twitter.com/LBp6fOvtWr

— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) May 19, 2025

• Florida’s Sergei Bobrovsky 29+ Saves (+164)

Perhaps the Panthers were in the mode of absorbing pressure and allowing perimeter shots to Carolina with a big lead on Tuesday, but the Hurricanes always get plenty of opportunities on goal. Bobrovsky is in a good place right now and the big Russian will probably face enough shots to cash your NHL prop bet.

Bet on Sergei Bobrovsky 29+ Saves (+164)

• Carolina’s Taylor Hall 1+ Point (+139)

Hall is a former Hart Trophy winner and recorded three points in each of the first two series for the Hurricanes. The 33-year-old had just one shot on net in Game 1, but was quite active with five hits. We expect the veteran of 50 NHL playoff games (35 points) to make the scorebook on Thursday.

Bet on Taylor Hall 1+ Point (+139)

“I haven’t been able to make it this far, so I’m just trying to take it all in.” 👏

Taylor Hall opens up about his early-season struggles and how he’s found his fit with the Hurricanes heading into the Eastern Conference Final. 🌪️

Full Feature ➡️ https://t.co/lqgjrPevJY pic.twitter.com/F2XLHquX6U

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 20, 2025

Panthers vs Hurricanes Moneyline Pick

It would be easy to think that Carolina will throw everything at Florida in the most critical game for them on the NHL schedule this season to date. The Hurricanes may show that they are a different team in 2025, but the Panthers thrive on opponents that overcommit to offense. The surprisingly easy win in Game 1 makes us think Florida can do it again in Raleigh..

Bet on Florida Panthers ML (+105)

Panthers vs Hurricanes Spread Pick

The value is with the Hurricanes again at +204 odds for a two-goal or more victory. However, with the Panthers rolling along as they are, you would expect them to beat the NHL spread in this one. You might want to check the latest NHL news for any previously-unreported injury issues, but we think Florida is the better bet.

Bet on the Florida Panthers +1.5 ATS (-240)

Panthers vs Hurricanes Over/Under Pick

Over bettors scored in Game 1, but it was just the second time in the last six meetings they went to the pay window. The game definitely opened up after the Panthers took a 4-1 lead and ruined the NHL bets for under fans. Both defenses have shown all season they can keep the score down, so we expect this one to be a lower final.

Bet on Panthers vs Hurricanes under 5.5 (-120)

Panthers vs Hurricanes How to Watch

• Game: Florida Panthers (1-0) vs Carolina Hurricanes (0-1)
• Date/Time: Thursday, May 22, 8:00 p.m. ET
• Location: Lenovo Center, Raleigh, N.C.
• Panthers vs Hurricanes Live Stream: NHL.com

Get the latest Panthers vs Hurricanes betting trends here.

Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets. 

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