Hurricanes vs. Panthers Odds
| Hurricanes Odds | +100 |
| Panthers Odds | -120 |
| Over/Under | 6 (-120 / +100) |
| Time | 7 p.m. ET |
| TV | TVAS |
| Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook. Get up-to-the-minute NHL Odds here. | |
The stakes are high for both clubs ahead of Thursday's Eastern Conference showdown between the Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes. The Hurricanes are embroiled in a race for the Metropolitan Division crown and need two points to assure themselves of a third straight division title. Meanwhile, the Panthers have no hope of moving up the standings in the Atlantic Division, but could avoid being relegated to the second wild-card spot with a victory against Carolina.
Florida sits one point back of the New York Islanders and would avoid a first-round matchup with the Boston Bruins if it's able to pass New York. So, how does that impact this game? Let's dive into Panthers vs Hurricanes and come up with a best bet.
Carolina Hurricanes
It's reflected in their record, but the Hurricanes have been the preeminent analytics team this season. The Metropolitan Division leaders rank first in expected goals-for rating and are 3.5% clear of the next closest team. For reference, 3.5% also separates the second-place New Jersey Devils from the ninth-place Los Angeles Kings.
Moreover, the Canes have excelled across their recent sample. Carolina has outplayed its opponents in eight of its past 10, with a cumulative 61.0% expected goals-for percentage, above its 59.9% season-long benchmark. The Hurricanes are asserting themselves on both ends of the ice and forcing opponents to play their brand of hockey.
Few teams can match the Canes' efficiency on either end of the ice. The ice is tilted in their direction in scoring chances and the Hurricanes are out-chancing their opponents 262-162 for a 61.8% scoring chance percentage.
Carolina has been an unstoppable force lately and has reserved its best efforts for the right time of year.
Florida Panthers
The Panthers deserve praise for their climb up the standings. Just a few weeks ago, Florida was on the outside of the playoff picture. However, a 12-4-2 record since March 4 has elevated the Panthers into the playoffs for a fourth straight year. But they may have emptied the tank too soon as their metrics have been abysmal over their past four games.
Florida has played four games since the start of last week, deferring to a run-and-gun style that hampers the defense. Over the modest sample, the Panthers have given up 13 or more quality chances in three of four contests and 35 or more scoring opportunities in two of four.
Goaltending has kept the Panthers competitive as they've posted a 96.3% save percentage at five-on-five and 95.2% across all strengths. Impressive, albeit unsustainable. From the outset of their hot streak at the start of March, Panthers' goaltenders have put together a 92.4% save percentage at five-on-five (90.6% altogether).
Considering their defensive lapses, regression is all but guaranteed.
Hurricanes vs. Panthers Pick
The Hurricanes have been a model of consistency. From the start of the season, Carolina has rated as one of the best teams in the league. Florida has ridden a hot streak to get into the postseason, but appears to be running out of steam.
We're backing the superior team at an underdog price in this one.
Pick: Hurricanes +100 |
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