Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head and other factors that may play in. We also have a featured game of the day, which is considered must-watch TV. Today’s featured game is the Florida Panthers vs Carolina Hurricanes. Keep checking our NHL predictions throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
NHL Predictions
Florida Panthers vs Carolina Hurricanes
Series: Panthers 1-0 Hurricanes
It’s the featured and only game of NHL predictions as the Panthers look to take a 2-0 series lead. Matthew Tkachuk ended a four-overtime game that was the sixth-longest game of the season. Sergei Bobrovsky is the likely starter going into this one, but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Carter Verhaeghe and Aleksander Barkov are also in double-digits in points for the Cats. Brandon Montour logged loads of minutes and has turned into a solid defenceman for Florida. The Panthers have won seven straight road games since losing Game 1 of the opening-round to the Boston Bruins.
Frederik Andersen is the projected starter in goal, but that hasn’t been confirmed. Carolina fought back late to tie the game and got two points from Seth Jarvis. Sebastian Aho leads the team in points with 11 while Jordan Martinook and Jarvis each have 10 points. Brent Burns played 55 minutes in Game 1 and has been strong on both ends of the ice for the Canes. Carolina has been strong in bouncing back from losses as it’s 3-0 coming off a loss.
The Hurricanes are good at recovering from a loss and that will show in this one. This series will be tied at one heading back to Sunrise.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 3-1.
Main photo by: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
