Game 1 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Final features the Carolina Hurricanes hosting the Florida Panthers on Tuesday. The Hurricanes secured their spot by defeating the Washington Capitals in five games during the second round. The Panthers advanced after a demanding seven-game series against the Toronto Maple Leafs, which concluded with a decisive 6-1 road victory. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET at PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC.
According to the latest odds, Carolina is the favorite on the money line at -124, meaning a $124 wager would yield a $100 profit. Florida is the underdog at +104, where a $100 bet returns $104 in profit. The total goals over/under is set at 5.5, and Carolina is also offered at -1.5 on the puck line with odds of +204.
These predictions are based on a simulated model that enters the conference finals with a strong record on top-rated NHL betting picks.
Best Bets for Hurricanes vs. Panthers Game 1:
- Hurricanes ML (-124)
- Over 5.5 goals (+105)
Reasoning for the Picks:
Hurricanes Money Line (-124): Carolina has been dominant at home throughout these playoffs, winning four of their five games at PNC Arena by two or more goals. Rod Brind-Amour`s team also has a rest advantage, having concluded their series against Washington several days prior. The defending Stanley Cup champion Panthers, in contrast, are playing on a shorter turnaround after their Game 7 victory. The model`s simulations project Carolina to win the game outright in well over 50% of scenarios.
Over 5.5 goals (+105): The total has gone Over in Florida`s last two road games, including scoring six goals in consecutive outings against Toronto`s goaltender. While Panthers` starting netminder Sergei Bobrovsky had a decent 2.55 goals-against average versus Carolina in the regular season, allowing five goals over two contests, the Hurricanes` offense has shown recent form, scoring three or more goals in their last three games. Although the Under has been common in Hurricanes goalie Frederik Andersen`s recent starts, the potential for offensive output from both sides points towards a higher-scoring game.
