Panthers vs. Hurricanes Game 5 Preview & Prediction (May 28, 2025)
If you’ve been watching this series, then you know that the Panthers have been bullying the Canes on the ice.
But if you only watched Game 4? You’d think that the Panthers choked. And they kinda did compared to their performance in the first three games. It was 3-0 going into Game 4 in what could’ve been a sweep, but the Hurricanes played like bosses and shut out the Panthers 3-0.
Can Carolina do it again? Why did they look like a totally different team? Will the Panthers be punishing them for getting a game and get the win so they’ll be in contention for the Stanley Cup?
Let’s find out what’s happening, who’s playing, and what your best bets are in our Game 5 preview!
Game Details
- Matchup: Florida Panthers vs. Carolina Hurricanes
- Series Status: FLA leads 3-1
- Date & Time: Wednesday, May 28, at 8:00 pm ET
- Location: Lenovo Center, Raleigh, NC
- Broadcast: TNT, truTV, Max; SN, TVAS
Prediction Breakdown
52.3%
47.7%
According to GamblingSite.com
Team Form & Key Storylines
Florida was in control for the first three, but Carolina said, “Not so fast” in Game 4–it’s not over yet. Carolina finally gave a complete effort, and Game 5 will be interesting for sure!
Florida Panthers
The first three games looked like the Panthers were playing a Junior League team. Florida imposed their style, buried their chances, and made Carolina chase the play. They had a 16-4 scoring advantage across those games and looked like it was pretty easy.
And then came Game 4, where it went sideways. The Panthers came out flat and never recovered. They had only 12 shots going into the third period and failed to generate quality looks. Zone exits were choppy; they weren’t getting to the middle of the ice, and second chances vanished.
They were also shorthanded. Sam Reinhart, Niko Mikkola, and A.J. Greer were all out, and it definitely showed. Reinhart’s absence took away an important front-of-net presence, especially on the power play. Mikkola’s size and reach were missed in defensive coverage during Carolina’s longer shifts in the Florida zone. All three skated during the optional practice before Game 5, but their availability hasn’t been confirmed.
The Panthers still have a nice 3-1 cushion, but the drop-off in energy and execution in Game 4 has us a little spooked. Their structure is built to close teams out, but that effort was nonexistent.
Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina finally put together the kind of game that’s been missing from them in the series. They tightened things up defensively, limited Florida’s zone time, and leaned into a more physical, north-south game.
Frederik Andersen was solid in the net, picking up a 20-save shutout without looking too stressed out. He controlled rebounds, tracked pucks well, and didn’t give Florida anything to build off.
Rookie Logan Stankoven opened the scoring with a slick finish off a heads-up pass from Alexander Nikishin, who had one of his best games of the postseason. Nikishin was physical in front of the net, quick on retrievals, and clean with his outlets, helping Carolina tilt possession back in their favor.
The Canes were so much cleaner across the board with shorter shifts, better puck support, and more engagement in 50-50 battles. If they can repeat that structure, especially on home ice, they’ve got a chance to push this to a sixth game.
Betting Odds & Trends
Are you backing Florida or Carolina? Look below for the latest odds and trends courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook:
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
Panthers | -1.5 (+205) | -126 | Over 5.5 (+106) |
Hurricanes | +1.5 (-260) | +105 | Under 5.5 (-130) |
Don’t forget that odds can change as it gets closer to game time, so always check your fav sportsbook for the latest lines!
Best Bets
Ok, let’s talk value! Below are what we think are the best bets for Game 5:
- Panthers Moneyline (-126): Game 4 didn’t go their way, but Florida still has the advantage in almost every area that matters. They’ve been quicker to loose pucks, better on special teams, and more aggressive with their zone pressure. Assuming they clean up the neutral zone issues from Game 4 and possibly get Reinhart or Mikkola back, they’re in a good place to close the series. It’s not a cheap number, but it’s justified based on how they’ve played during all four games.
- Under 5.5 Goals (-130): Scoring chances were limited in Game 4, and both teams played tighter and more disciplined. Carolina slowed down the pace, Florida couldn’t generate much from the slot, and both goalies looked good. Bobrovsky has been dialed in for most of the playoffs, and Andersen was positionally strong and in control in Game 4. Unless special teams take over? Another low-scoring game makes a lot of sense.
- Evan Rodrigues to Score (+400): Rodrigues has been really active in transition and isn’t scared to shoot. With defenses honing in on Barkov’s line, Rodrigues has seen more open looks and keeps generating chances. He’s got four goals in the postseason and logged heavier minutes in Game 4 with Reinhart out. At 4-to-1, he’s a solid target for anyone who’s hunting value in the goal scorer market.
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Series Outlook & What’s Next
If the Panthers close this out on the road, they’re back in the Stanley Cup Final for the third year in a row—something no Eastern Conference team has done since the Penguins did it a decade ago.
No team has looked better in the East across that stretch, and they know how to finish a series. They’ve controlled the lion’s share of this matchup, but Game 4 showed a few cracks.
If Carolina strings two wins together, then it won’t be a one-sided series with a bump in the road. Game 6 would go back to Florida, and that’s where things could start to turn. The Hurricanes would have proof that Florida isn’t in full control anymore, and the Panthers would be facing pressure that they haven’t had so far.
The door is still ajar for Florida to wrap this up, but if we see a repeat of Game 4, everything changes.
All Eyes on Game 5: Closer or Comeback?
The Panthers are still out in front, but Game 4 threw a wrench in how this series was playing out.
Florida ran the show in the first three, but Carolina finally found their footing. If Reinhart or Mikkola sits again and Andersen turns in another solid performance, things could start tilting away from what looked like a done deal.
Chances are getting harder to come by, and both sides are clamping down defensively. This feels like another game where a single goal will carry a ton of weight.
Final Score Prediction: Florida Panthers 3, Carolina Hurricanes 2 (OT)
We predict that the Panthers end this series at 4-1 and send them to the NHL finals!
Remember: Please gamble responsibly! Our odds and predictions aren’t guaranteed and should be used for entertainment only, just like all betting should be.
