Game 1 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Final is set to take place on Tuesday, with the Carolina Hurricanes hosting the Florida Panthers.
Carolina advanced to this round by defeating the Washington Capitals in five games in the second round. The Florida Panthers, the reigning Stanley Cup champions, needed a full seven games to overcome the Toronto Maple Leafs, securing their spot with a commanding 6-1 victory on the road in the decisive game.
The opening puck drop will be at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Game 1 Betting Odds
Based on the latest odds for this matchup, the Carolina Hurricanes are the money line favorite at -125 (bet $125 to win $100). The Florida Panthers enter Game 1 as the underdog with money line odds of +105 (bet $100 to win $105). The over/under for the total number of goals scored is set at 5.5. On the puck line, the Hurricanes are -1.5 with odds of +205.
Prior to placing any wagers on the Panthers vs. Hurricanes game, it is recommended to consider predictions from various analytical models and experts.
Top Betting Picks
Here are two highlighted betting opportunities for the Hurricanes vs. Panthers Game 1:
- Hurricanes Money Line (-125)
- Total Goals Over 5.5 (+110)
Analysis: Hurricanes Money Line Pick
Carolina has been formidable at home throughout these playoffs, maintaining an undefeated record at PNC Arena. Four of their five postseason home victories have been by a margin of two goals or more. Coach Rod Brind-Amour`s team has also had the benefit of extra rest, having finished their previous series on Thursday. In contrast, the defending champion Panthers had a quick turnaround after playing a grueling Game 7 on Sunday.
Analysis: Total Goals Over 5.5 Pick
The total has gone Over 5.5 goals in Florida`s last two road contests, where they found the back of the net six times in each game against the Maple Leafs` goaltender. Florida`s starting netminder, Vezina Trophy winner Sergei Bobrovsky, posted a 2.55 goals-against average against Carolina during the regular season, allowing five goals in two games. While the Under has been a trend in four of Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen`s last five appearances, the Carolina offense has shown scoring prowess by netting three or more goals in their past three outings.
Additional analysis and expert picks for Tuesday`s game are available from various sources.
Elton Marrow