As the Florida Panthers hold a commanding 3-1 series lead, the Carolina Hurricanes are fighting for survival in Game 5 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Final. Carolina managed to avoid elimination with a crucial 3-0 shutout win in Game 4. The series now returns to PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC, for the pivotal Game 5 on Wednesday.
Heading into Game 5, the Florida Panthers are listed as slight favorites on the moneyline at -118, while the Carolina Hurricanes are the underdog at -102. The total goals over/under is set at 5.5. The Panthers are also favored on the puck line at -1.5 with +206 odds. These odds are according to the latest lines available for the matchup.
Insights and predictions for this game are provided by a projection model that simulates every NHL game 10,000 times. This model has a strong track record, entering the second week of the 2025 NHL playoffs conference finals with a combined 80-56 record on top-rated puck-line and over/under picks, demonstrating profitable returns for those following its recommendations.
Here are some top betting picks for Game 5 based on the model`s analysis:
- Hurricanes +1.5 on the puck line (-256)
- Over 5.5 goals (+105)
The rationale behind the Hurricanes +1.5 puck line pick stems from their strong performance at home earlier in the playoffs. While they struggled in the first two home games against Florida, particularly with goaltending, Frederik Andersen`s impressive 20-save shutout in Game 4 suggests he has regained form. Carolina will be motivated playing in front of their home crowd again, making them a good candidate to keep the game close or win.
Regarding the Over 5.5 goals pick, the series has already seen higher-scoring games, with the total exceeding 5.5 goals in two contests. Game 2 notably finished 5-0, just missing the over. Furthermore, looking at Florida`s goaltender, Sergei Bobrovsky, the Over has been the outcome in three of his last five starts in the 2025 playoffs, suggesting potential for goals even against a strong goalie.
