Florida Panthers vs. Carolina Hurricanes 5/18/23 – The Eastern Conference Finals in the NHL playoffs are gearing up to commence as Carolina Hurricanes face Florida Panthers at PNC Arena for Game 1. This highly-anticipated encounter promises an action-packed encounter as two talented squads look for the victory that could put them a step closer to reaching Stanley Cup Finals. However, the home team is the best NHL pick today to claim the victory.
Florida Panthers vs. Carolina Hurricanes
Date & Time: Thursday, May 18, 2023, at 8:00 PM ET
Location: PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC
TV: TNT
Florida Panthers vs. Carolina Hurricanes 5/18/23 Betting Odds
Panthers
Moneyline: +124
Puckline: +1.5 (-215)
Total: 5.5 over (-125)
Hurricanes
Moneyline: -137
Puckline: -1.5 (+185)
Total: 5.5 under (+113)
Florida Panthers vs. Carolina Hurricanes Analysis
The Florida Panthers enter Game 1 after winning a hard-fought 3-2 matchup against Toronto Maple Leafs. Their offense shone through, taking advantage of both power play opportunities while scoring three times on 43 shots – thanks to superstar forward Aleksander Barkov, Jonathan Huberdeau, and Sam Bennett leading their attack unit.
Through their regular season performance, the Panthers demonstrated their offensive prowess by scoring 288 goals, placing them sixth in the league, and shooting at 9.5% from 3,019 shots, providing quality scoring opportunities. Defensively, however, they allowed 272 goals against and allowed the Hurricanes to exploit any weaknesses they might possess on defense. Their power play has also proven successful, converting on 63 out of 276 opportunities with an overall success rate of 22.83%.
Sergei Bobrovsky will lead their Florida Panthers defense into Game 1. His impressive resume includes 642 NHL games played, amassing an overall record of 360 wins, 207 losses, and 51 overtime losses while posting an outstanding save percentage of 0.915; this shows his ability to make crucial saves under pressure.
The Carolina Hurricanes enter Game 1 riding high after their hard-fought 3-2 win over the New Jersey Devils in their most recent outing. Offensively, Carolina made an impression by capitalizing on one of two power play opportunities and scoring three goals out of 39 shots on goal – all led by its dynamic forward group featuring Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov, and Teuvo Teravainen – that gave them enough firepower to challenge any opponent they faced.
The Hurricanes displayed their offensive capabilities throughout the regular season, scoring an impressive 262 goals, earning 113 points, and maintaining an outstanding points percentage of 0.689. Their ability to find the back of the net is evident through 170 even-strength goals and 50 power-play goals; shot volume was third highest among league clubs with 2,852 attempts; they allowed only 210 goals during that time; 170 were at even strength while 40 came shorthanded; penalty kill efficiency stood at 84.38% which shows off their ability to neutralize opposing power plays effectively versus any opposition power plays against them.
Frederik Andersen will lead their defense in Game 1, drawing from his extensive experience and expertise to keep Florida Panthers’ potency at bay. Andersen holds an impressive career record of 282 wins, 125 losses, and 52 overtime losses over 479 games played; his save percentage stands at 0.915, while his quality start rate of 56.8% attests to his consistency as an opponent-stopping goaltender.
Florida Panthers vs. Carolina Hurricanes Against the Spread
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Florida’s last 5 games. Florida Panthers are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games. Florida Panthers are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games against Carolina. Florida Panthers are 6-0 SU in their last 6 games on the road. Florida Panthers are 4-9 SU in their last 13 games when playing on the road against Carolina.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Carolina’s last 5 games. Carolina Hurricanes are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games. Carolina Hurricanes are 8-1 SU in their last 9 games at home. Carolina Hurricanes are 9-4 SU in their last 13 games when playing at home against Florida. The total has gone OVER in 7 of Carolina’s last 10 games against an opponent in the Eastern Conference conference.
Florida Panthers vs. Carolina Hurricanes Free Pick
With both teams eager for victory and an early edge in the series, Game 1 promises to be an intense and highly competitive contest. As the battle for a place in the Stanley Cup Finals intensifies, a key player and goaltender performances will play a pivotal role in determining its outcome. However, NHL betting experts predict that the Carolina Hurricanes will win Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against Florida Panthers due to being perceived as being more assertive and, therefore, more likely to come out victorious.
Free Pick: Carolina Hurricanes -137
