The Eastern Conference Final continues with Game 2 as the Carolina Hurricanes aim to claw back against a surging Florida Panthers squad that seems to thrive when skating away from home. After a dominant 5-2 win in Game 1, Florida holds momentum and confidence — not just from their offence, but from their all-around resilience and playoff experience.
Carolina, though, are no strangers to adversity. Despite suffering their 13th straight conference final loss, the ‘Canes are still very much alive, boasting one of the league’s most reliable defensive structures and a home crowd that knows how to lift the roof at PNC Arena.
Let’s break down this compelling clash and get into the betting action, predictions and top plays for tonight’s showdown.
Florida Panthers at Carolina Hurricanes
Match Info
- Stanley Cup Playoffs – Eastern Conference Final, Game 2
- Thursday 22 May 2025, 20:00 EST / 01:00 BST (23 May)
- PNC Arena, Raleigh, United States
Florida Panthers
The Panthers are proving that championship pedigree travels well. With a 6-2 record on the road in these playoffs and a blistering 4.75 goals per game average away from home, Florida are turning hostile rinks into scoring festivals. Much of that has to do with the balanced attack across all four lines. Eetu Luostarinen and Brad Marchand are leading the way, but this is truly a team with depth — eight skaters have already reached double-digit points in the postseason.
What sets Florida apart is their composure. They’re not rattled by crowd noise, referee whistles or momentum shifts. Sergei Bobrovsky continues to deliver in net, while the defence corps blocks lanes and frustrates top lines with surgical efficiency. This group is peaking at the right time — and history tells us they’ve had Carolina’s number, sweeping them out of the conference final in 2023.
Carolina Hurricanes
The Hurricanes are staring down an unwanted streak — 13 straight losses in conference finals, including nine under head coach Rod Brind’Amour. But this is a team with grit, talent and a commitment to structure. Their special teams let them down in Game 1, but their even-strength play, particularly in the first period, showed flashes of dominance. Seth Jarvis and the top line generated chances aplenty but couldn’t convert early.
Scoring first could be the key. Carolina is undefeated this postseason when notching the opening goal. They’ll also need to tidy up defensively and stay out of the box — Florida’s power play made them pay. Expect tweaks from Brind’Amour, especially in terms of deployment and perhaps more physicality from the forecheck. Game 2 is now a must-win if the ‘Canes want to avoid heading to Florida in a two-game hole.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Florida Panthers to win
With their current road form, depth scoring, and ability to capitalise on Carolina’s mistakes, the Panthers look well-positioned to take a commanding 2-0 series lead. While Carolina will push harder, Florida’s efficient transition game and elite finishing could prove too much again.
America Bet Score Prediction
Florida Panthers 4 – 2 Carolina Hurricanes
Expect a tighter contest than Game 1, but Florida’s edge in shot conversion and goaltending could give them just enough separation down the stretch. A late empty-netter might seal it.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Florida Panthers to win
- Over 5.5 total goals
- Florida Panthers to score first
- Brad Marchand anytime goalscorer
- Eetu Luostarinen to record 1+ assist
- Florida Panthers -1.5 (puck line)
- Sergei Bobrovsky over 27.5 saves
- Carolina Hurricanes under 2.5 goals
- Game to go to overtime – No
- Florida Panthers to win both periods 2 and 3
