Florida Panthers vs. Carolina Hurricanes Prediction, NHL Odds
Tonight brings us a big-time matchup in the NHL between the Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes after they collided in the Eastern Conference finals last year. These squads have met twice so far this season, and Florida has won both meetings.
Panthers vs. Hurricanes NHL Betting Odds
The NHL odds board has the Panthers as -118 favourites.
On the puck line, both the Panthers (16-29) and Hurricanes (17-30) have struggled to cover their spreads. The -1.5 (+160) spread belongs to Carolina, while the Panthers are +1.5 (-190) underdogs. In the game totals, Carolina is 24-22-1 to the Over, and Florida is 25-20-0. The total is 6.0, with the Over at -115 and the Under at -105.
This game could also present a great opportunity for the Hurricanes to snag a first-period win, as they are 18-16-13 in the first period, as opposed to the Panthers’ abysmal 13-17-15 record. Sam Reinhart (+140) and Sam Bennett (+180) have the shortest odds to score for Florida, while Sebastian Aho (+155) and Seth Jarvis (+190) lead the way for Carolina. A player like Sebastian Aho, who has not scored in six games, will really need to step up when taking on a powerhouse.
Florida Panthers
The Florida Panthers have had an up-and-down season, but overall, they are still a major threat. Their record of 24-18-3 has them in seventh place in the Atlantic Division. They are well within reach of the teams above them, but this would be considered unacceptable for the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions.
After a run where the Panthers won two of seven games, they are heating up with two straight victories, both in regulation. They will need this momentum to continue for their fifth-straight road game, where they have a winning record of 10-9-0. However, they have big injury issues, missing Matthew Tkachuk, Alex Barkov, and Seth Jones, as well as Brad Marchand, who is considered day-to-day. These elite players being banged up will make a major difference against a deep and well-coached Hurricanes team.
Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes have been a perennial contender within the NHL for years, and the same is true this season. Their 28-15-4 record has them first in the Metropolitan Division, but there is lots of work to do, and they have no major cushion in the standings 47 games in. As per usual, the Lenovo Center poses a major challenge for teams, as Carolina is 16-8-1 on home ice. However, Florida has clearly given them issues this season, as the Canes are 0-1-1 and have allowed nine goals.
Shayne Ghostisbehere and William Carrier are both considered day-to-day, but the bigger concern is in net. Pyotr Kochetkov remains on the injured reserve, which means Brandon Bussi and Fredrik Anderson own the crease. Bussi has provided a little bit of inconsistent play lately, while Anderson has been consistently poor. The crease will need to be solid in this game.
NHL Prediction: Who Will Win Panthers vs. Hurricanes?
I expect both teams to be fully prepared for this matchup, as they each have elite veteran rosters and are well-coached. Carolina has an extremely well-coached and talented roster, and will have a boost in their first home game in a week where they have played excellently.
Carolina is also healthier, and should be quite hungry to snap a two-game losing streak and finally beat the Panthers this season. I expect the Canes to get revenge with a 3-2 win.
FLA
CAR