Panthers vs. Hurricanes Game 2 Preview & Prediction (May 22, 2025)
- Matchup: Florida Panthers vs. Carolina Hurricanes
- Series Status: FLA leads 1-0
- Date & Time: Tuesday, May 22, at 8:00 pm ET
- Location: Lenovo Center, Raleigh, NC
- Broadcast: MAX, truTV, TNT, SN, TVAS, CBC
Game 1 got away from Carolina in the second period, and Florida didn’t give them a chance to recover. Fresh off a Game 7 win in Toronto, the Panthers took that energy right into Raleigh—they buried five in the net and thwarted Carolina with disciplined play in all three zones.
The Hurricanes are in a tough spot now. If they lose both games on home ice, they’d be in a hole that would be hard to crawl out of, especially against a team that’s been organized and opportunistic throughout the postseason. Carolina has to clean up the puck management, stay out of the box, and get more out of their top six if they want to be on even ground.
We are gonna defrost how both teams are trending, which matchups could change the outcome of Game 2, and where the betting value is!
Prediction Breakdown
48.8%
51.2%
According to GamblingSite.com
Game 2 Odds & Betting Lines
As of now, here’s where the odds and lines are according to BetMGM Sportsbook:
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
Panthers | +1.5 (-250) | +110 | Over 5.5 (-105) |
Hurricanes | -1.5 (+200) | -130 | Under 5.5 (-115) |
Key Storylines to Watch
The adjustments don’t have to be anything complicated. It’ll come down to small details, and below are the ones that’ll carry a lot of weight in Game 2!
1. Panthers’ Road Domination
The Panthers came off their Game 7 win in Toronto and had yet another strong performance in Raleigh. Their puck support was great, they defended in layers, and they got contributions up and down the lineup. It’s been low-risk, structured hockey, and it’s working.
2. Hurricanes’ Home-Ice Resilience
The Hurricanes did create chances in stretches, but too many of them were a one-and-done deal. They had a hard time generating pressure off the cycle, gave the puck away in bad areas, and couldn’t get bodies to the crease. They’ve been better than this at home all year, and they need that version to show up for Game 2.
3. Goalie Duel: Bobrovsky vs. Andersen
Bobrovsky read plays well and looked totally cool all night in Game 1. Andersen? He didn’t. Carolina needs more from him against a Florida team that thrives off of broken plays and quick entries. If he’s off again? It’s no bueno.
Player Spotlight
There are three players we are watching going into Game 2 of this series:
- Sam Reinhart (Panthers): Reinhart is producing around the net with redirects, rebounds, and fast puck movement in tight spaces. He’s been consistent in important moments and is really active on special teams.
- Andrei Svechnikov (Hurricanes): Carolina needs him to get more involved. He wasn’t much of a factor in Game 1, but he does have the tools to force mistakes and tilt the ice. A stronger showing from him could definitely open things up for Carolina’s top line.
- Brad Marchand (Panthers): Rodrigues is back on the top line and bringing plenty of pace with him. He’s finding space in transition and getting into dangerous areas without the puck. His finishing touch gives Florida another dangerous weapon that Carolina has to account for.
Best Bets for Game 2
Where is the value for Game 2? Below are our picks for the best bets!
- Moneyline: Hurricanes -130 – Carolina’s top six needs to bring more to the ice, and Andersen has to settle in. But because they’re playing at home, this is still a spot where they can get back into it. The number shows that potential.
- Total Goals: Under 5.5 (-105) – Game 1 hit seven, but that’s not the whole story. The game slowed down in the third quarter, and both teams had stretches where neutral zone play stalled out. If the goaltending levels out, this has 3–2 written all over it.
- Player Prop: Evan Rodrigues to Score Anytime (+400) – Playing with Barkov and Verhaeghe, Rodrigues is getting quality chances. His positioning in the last game created two high-danger looks, and with those odds, it’s a value play that’s worth taking.
Bounce Back or Beatdown? Our Final Thoughts
Final Prediction for Game 2: Hurricanes 3, Panthers 2
Carolina plays a much more disciplined game in their own end without the defensive miscues, gets more zone time from its top lines, and hopes for a stronger night from Andersen in the net. It won’t be wide open; it’ll be close, physical, and low-scoring. But we think that the Hurricanes will get the job done and send the series to Sunrise tied at 1–1.
Carolina doesn’t have to panic yet, but they can’t afford to have another flat stretch at home. The fixes don’t need to be anything dramatic—they just need better puck movement, fewer breakdowns below the goal line, and more net presence from their forwards.
Florida won’t overextend. They’re fine just absorbing the pressure and waiting for mistakes. Their top six is producing without forcing plays, and their defensive pairings have been really well-positioned through most of their playoff run. They know how to manage the pace when they’re ahead.
The difference in Game 2 likely comes down to special teams and goaltending. If Andersen holds up and Carolina can cut off Florida’s space through the neutral zone, they’ve got a strong chance to even the series up before heading south.
Best Bets Recap
- Hurricanes Moneyline -130: Solid value at home with pressure to split the series.
- Under 5.5 Total Goals (-105): Expect a more controlled pace and fewer odd-man rushes.
- Evan Rodrigues Anytime Goal (+400): Playing top-line minutes and getting quality looks.
Want to place a wager or two on this game? Be sure to check out the top betting apps for a safe and trusted experience.
