Florida Panthers vs Carolina Hurricanes Prediction, Odds and Game 1 Picks for Tuesday, 05/20/25

The Eastern Conference Finals have finally arrived, and we are in for an elite matchup between the Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes. These 2 have both proven to be worthy of a Stanley Cup, and will now battle it out to see who comes out of the Eastern Conference to meet either the Oilers or the Stars. Each game should bring high levels of drama and some of the best NHL action all season, and to get you set for Game 1 here are our Panthers vs Hurricanes predictions.

The Hurricanes have been rolling through these playoffs and have been truly dominant. They needed just 10 games to advance through 2 rounds, which has given them high levels of rest and confidence. Their play has been immaculate, as their defensive suffocation has been matched with legit offensive results. Florida has been playing a lot of hockey as of late, which has included a ton of travel and just one day of rest after a Game 7 win. Traveling into one of the toughest buildings in the league should make things difficult for Florida. Carolina is obviously filled with momentum, and I expect them to continue riding that to a Game 1 win. They know they have a real shot of finally getting over the hump, and they should make progress in doing just that as they set the ton in this important game. I’m taking Carolina on the money line for our Game 1 Panthers vs Hurricanes best bet.

Panthers vs Hurricanes prediction: Hurricanes ML (-125) available at time of publishing. Playable to -140.

If you’re looking for a new sportsbook, check out Bet365, the world’s #1 sportsbook. They have an amazing sign-up offer where you can INSTANTLY receive $150 in bonus bets from a $5 wager, regardless of whether that bet wins or loses! There’s no catch, it’s really that simple. Join Bet365 right now ⏰ in time to fade or follow our experts’ Panthers vs Hurricanes predictions.