Carolina Hurricanes vs Florida Panthers

Defending champion Florida knocked off Toronto in Game 7 on the road, 6-1. They won the series despite losing the first two games. The offense is fourth in the postseason, averaging 3.75 goals, while the defense is second in penalty killing and in goals given up (2.42 per game). They're in the Eastern Conference Finals for the third straight year. Last season, they won Game 1 at New York, 3-0, and Game 5 on the road, 3-2, taking the series in six games. They also swept the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals, winning the first two games at Carolina, 3-2 and 2-1. Carolina's offense ranks 11th of the 16 playoff teams in shooting percentage, after ranking 22nd during the regular season. Carolina was 1-2-0 against Florida, getting outscored 13-6, during the regular season. Play Florida.

Carolina won 14 of 19, and the Hurricanes seek quick payback for their 6-3 loss in Florida last night. Spencer Martin might have to do a back-to-back for the Panthers if goalie Pyotr Kochetkov is still in concussion protocol, and it would give Martin a chance to redeem himself after allowing five goals in Friday's loss. The Panthers have lost six of nine, although they are 2-4 in their past six home games. Eight of the past 12 meetings have gone UNDER, and Carolina is 14-4 UNDER against Atlantic Division teams. The Hurricanes have won eight of nine versus teams with winning records, and the Panthers have lost five of six against teams with winning road records. Carolina is 9-0-2 UNDER following a loss by at least three goals and 5-1 UNDER after allowing five goals or more. Take the Hurricanes and the UNDER.

Florida is in a slump, losing six of eight. They've lost their last two road games by a combined 9-4, including a 3-1 loss at Chicago as a -250 favorite. The defense is 26th in goals surrendered (3.35 per game) and 23rd in save percentage (.893). First-place Carolina has won 14 of 18 and is 9-1 at home. The offense is second in goals scored (4.00 per game), seventh on the power play, and sixth in shooting percentage. The defense is sixth in penalty killing and third in goals given up (2.59 per game). Play Carolina.