Odds provided by Sports Interaction.
Hurricanes vs Panthers Game 3 Odds
The Panthers are a -145 home favorite for Game 3 at NHL sportsbooks. The Hurricanes come back as a +120 underdog. The total is set at 5.5. The Over cashed in Game 1, but the Under hit in Game 2 as the Cats won 5-0 on the road.
Hurricanes vs Panthers Analysis
The Hurricanes had revenge on their minds heading into this series after Florida swept them in the conference finals in 2023. But, at this rate, it could happen again. Despite having a lot more rest than their opponents in Game 1, Carolina came out flat and lost 5-2 at home. Game 2 was even worse, giving up three unanswered goals in the first period. Frederik Andersen, who was so brilliant in the first two rounds, has been lit up by the Cats’ electrifying offense.
Rod Brind’Amour’s group now sits in a very difficult position. Overcoming a 0-2 hole is tough enough, but doing it against the defending Stanley Cup champions feels next to impossible, especially after losing both games at home. That being said, Carolina is a very good team, and they will undoubtedly be bringing their best in Game 3 because another loss will basically end their season. This is a must-win contest for the Canes.
The Panthers are sitting pretty and look primed to make another Stanley Cup. Florida had minimal rest after Game 7 last Sunday against the Maple Leafs, where they embarrassed them, but they hopped on a plane to Raleigh the next day and got prepared for the conference finals. The Cats have now outscored Carolina 10-2 so far, with Sam Bennett scoring three of those goals.
Bennett led the way in Game 2 with a pair of goals and an assist, while Matthew Tkachuk, Gustav Forsling, and Aleksander Barkov all found the back of the net as well. Carter Verhaeghe, meanwhile, tallied three assists. The Panthers are a very deep team, and that’s been on full display in the postseason. To be honest, they’re probably even better than last year when they won it all after bringing in both Brad Marchand and Seth Jones at the trade deadline. Nothing is stopping Paul Maurice’s squad from going all the way again.
Hurricanes vs Panthers Game 3 Picks
Carolina hasn’t shown much life, so it is hard for me to believe they will suddenly come alive on the road. Florida is dominant at home as well. The Panthers will take a 3-0 series lead and move one step closer to yet another Stanley Cup final. Hammer the Cats’ moneyline for Game 3.
Pick: Panthers -145 /Sports Interaction
