Panthers vs Hurricanes Game 1 Prediction, Odds & How to Watch Eastern Conference Final

• The Hurricanes are -125 moneyline favorites over the Panthers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final
• Carolina also holds an edge on the puck line at -1.5 (+205)
• Read on for our Hurricanes vs Panthers Game 1 prediction, plus the latest odds and info on how to watch

The Eastern Conference Final gets underway tonight as the Carolina Hurricanes host the Florida Panthers in Game 1. This series is a rematch of the 2023 Eastern Final, which saw the Panthers sweep the Canes in four tightly contested one-goal games.

Carolina has home ice this time around and enters as the betting favorite, but the defending champs looked formidable in dispatching the Maple Leafs in round two.

Here is a look at my Panthers vs Hurricanes Game 1 prediction, along with how I’m betting this matchup.

Panthers vs Hurricanes Prediction for Game 1

• Under 5.5 Goals (-130 at DraftKings)

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These two defensive-minded teams are poised to engage in a tight-checking, low-scoring affair to open the series. The goaltending has been outstanding on both sides, with the Hurricanes’ Frederik Andersen leading all playoff starters in goals-against average (1.36) and save percentage (.937).

Andersen’s counterpart Sergei Bobrovsky has elevated his play of late as well, allowing just eight total goals over his last five starts with a sterling .935 save percentage.

When these squads met in the 2023 Eastern Final, the first three contests all stayed under 5.5 goals, including a 2-1 quadruple overtime marathon in Game 1. Expect another cagey start to this series, especially with the Panthers playing on just two days rest after an emotional Game 7 victory over Toronto. Look for both teams to keep things simple early and avoid crucial mistakes.

The Panthers and Hurricanes have been two of the stingiest teams in the playoffs so far. Carolina leads the league in goals-against per game (1.80) and spends the least amount of time pinned in their own zone. Florida ranks second in both goals-against (2.42) and shots allowed (23.8) per contest.

When you combine their smothering 5-on-5 play with elite penalty killing — the Canes lead all teams at 93.3% while the Cats sit second at 89.5% — it’s tough to envision a track meet breaking out.

Panthers vs Hurricanes Defensive Stats

Carolina also tends to ease into games offensively, having scored just five total first-period goals this postseason. Expect them to keep things air-tight in their own end and look to capitalize on counter-attacks and power play opportunities as the game wears on.

With the Canes a perfect 5-0 on home ice and getting the last line change, coach Rod Brind’Amour can dictate the matchups and implement their patented puck possession game.

Ultimately, the Under 5.5 total is my play given the quality of goaltending, the intensity and pace we typically see this deep into the playoffs, and the recent history between these clubs. Don’t be shocked if Game 1 requires overtime once again to determine a winner.

Panthers vs Hurricanes Game 1 Odds

The Under 5.5 currently holds -130 odds at DraftKings Sportsbook, with the Over coming back at +110. On the moneyline, Carolina is favored at -125 while Florida returns +105 as a slight underdog.

The Hurricanes are also giving 1.5 goals on the puck line, although bettors will have to lay some heavy -250 juice to back the Panthers +1.5.

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Odds as of May 20, 2025, at DraftKings Sportsbook. Check out our DraftKings review, or browse other NHL betting apps.

How to Watch Panthers vs Hurricanes

Game 1 is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, NC. TNT, MAX, CBC, and SN will provide the television coverage, while the game can also be streamed online via the Watch TNT app.

Carolina dominated on home ice all year, going 5-0 so far in the playoffs and outscoring opponents by a whopping 22-10 margin.