Florida Panthers vs. Carolina Hurricanes Game 1 Prediction (May 20, 2025)

By: Alyssa Waller | Last Updated: May 20, 2025

The last time Florida and Carolina met in the Eastern Conference Final? It was over in four. The Panthers ran through the Hurricanes and didn’t get much resistance, and Carolina’s had to live with that. But they get a second chance here.

This year’s version will have more bite. Florida is coming off a long, hard series with Toronto, and Carolina looked good closing out both the Devils and Capitals in five. Game 1 gives the Hurricanes a chance to change the narrative, and the reigning Stanley Cup winners a chance to prove that last year wasn’t luck.

Game Details

Series Status: Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final
Date & Time: Tuesday, May 20, at 8:00 pm ET
Location: Lenovo Center, Raleigh, NC
Broadcast: TNT, truTV, Max, SN, CBC, TVAS

Team Overviews

Forget the regular-season records, because none of that matters now. What does? Who can take a hit, manage the puck, and close out one-goal games when it gets ugly? Florida and Carolina have proven that they’re up for it, but they’ve gotten to this place in different ways.

Florida Panthers

Regular Season Record: 55-35-4
Playoff Path: Knocked off the Lightning in five games, then fought through a close seven-game series against Toronto.

Key Players

Brad Marchand: A deadline midseason addition who’s brought leadership and production at important moments. Marchand skated in like he’s been there all year.
Eetu Luostarinen: One of the stars in Florida’s run so far with 12 points and making his presence known every game.
Goaltending: Sergei Bobrovsky has had really strong stretches, but his .901 save percentage shows he can be inconsistent. He’s capable of taking over a game, but the Panthers can’t count on that happening all the time.

Carolina Hurricanes

Regular Season Record: 55-31-6
Playoff Path: Took care of business early on, knocking the Devils and Capitals out in five games each.

Key Players

Andrei Svechnikov: Leading Carolina with 8 goals and showing up in all the right spots at all of the right times.
Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis: Both with 10 points and driving the offense through smart passing and sound positioning.
Goaltending: Frederik Andersen’s been a lifesaver in the net—his 1.36 GAA and .937 save percentage are the best in the playoffs. Right now, he’s giving Carolina an advantage goalie-wise.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Florida’s got the most experience in pressure moments, and it’s obvious in how they manage shifts and slow things down when they need to. Carolina plays a more organized game with clean exits, excellent puck movement, and hardly any mistakes in their own zone.

Offense: Florida spreads the scoring around and gets contributions from all lines. Carolina’s attack is a little bit more methodical but no less dangerous—they make chances via quick decisions.
Defense: The Hurricanes are one of the toughest teams to break down. Their defensive zone coverage has been airtight through two rounds. Florida’s defense is way more physical and built to wear teams down during games.
Special Teams: Both power plays are producing at a solid clip, but the penalty kill may end up deciding close games. Carolina’s kill has been better lately.
Goaltending: Andersen has been on another level, and right now, he’s giving Carolina the advantage. Bobrovsky’s capable of stealing a game, but his form has fluctuated.

Betting Odds & Trends

Game 1 will most likely be a close call on the board, which is fitting for two teams with postseason track records and balanced rosters. Here’s where the odds sit courtesy of BetMGM:

Team	Spread	Moneyline	Total
Panthers	+1.5 (-275)	+110	Over 5.5 (-115)
Hurricanes	-1.5 (+200)	-125	Under 5.5 (-105)

Trends

Florida has won 4 of its last 5 and keeps finishing up strong in close games.
Carolina went 31-9-1 at home during the regular season and has protected home ice immaculately throughout the playoffs.
The under has hit in 5 of Carolina’s last 7 games; low-scoring, structured hockey has been the pattern.

Best Bets

Below is are the bets that we think are worth it going into Game 1:

Moneyline: Panthers +110 – Florida’s been through tougher matchups so far and knows how to stay in games even when they’re not playing perfect hockey. At plus money, they’re a solid value.
Under 5.5 Goals (-120) – Both teams can lock things down when needed, and with Andersen in top form, goals could be limited. This feels like a lower-scoring start to the series.
Player Prop: Brad Marchand Scores – Marchand has found ways to pitch in during important moments, especially late in the Toronto series. If Florida gets on the board? Odds are that he’ll be involved.

Who’s Got the Edge in Game 1?

Game 1 won’t decide everything, but it’ll show who’s better prepared to handle the pressure. Who’s got the better chances? Look below:

Carolina gets the early advantage with home ice and goaltending. Andersen has been airtight and looks like a more reliable option going into the series.
Florida has lots of playoff experience and knows how to handle close games. They’ve been tested more through two rounds, and that advantage does matter.
If Bobrovsky finds his footing early, Florida can absolutely take this one on the road.
Expect a really physical, defensive game with limited chances and heavy special teams impact.
Who wins the goaltending battle and stays disciplined will likely skate off with Game 1.

Our Final Prediction for Game 1

Pick: Carolina Hurricanes win 3-2 in a defensive battle

Andersen gives Carolina the advantage in the net and will be the difference-maker again.
Florida keeps it within reach, but their margin for error is razor thin with Bobrovsky still searching for stability.
Expect a low-scoring, hard-checked opener that relies on special teams and solid goaltending.
The under holds, and Carolina protects home ice to open the series.

FYI: All odds are subject to change as the game gets closer, so remember to check the latest lines at one of our recommended online sportsbooks!

Alyssa Waller

Alyssa contributes sportsbook/online casino reviews, but she also stays on top of any industry news, precisely that of the sports betting market. She’s been an avid sports bettor for many years and has experienced success in growing her bankroll by striking when the iron was hot. In particular, she loves betting on football and basketball at the professional and college levels.