The Eastern Conference Final heads into Game 5 between the Florida Panthers and the Carolina Hurricanes. Florida is up three games to one, but Carolina stole a game in Florida on Monday night. Can the Hurricanes further extend the series, or will Florida win the Prince of Wales Trophy on Wednesday night?
What top bets are there for Game 5? It is time to go!
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Panthers vs. Hurricanes Picks for Game 5
Hurricanes Watched the Tape
The Carolina Hurricanes played great in 110 of the 120 road minutes against Florida. Unfortunately, the Hurricanes only came out with a split. However, the difference was that the Carolina Panthers were able to play from ahead. That was enough in a close 1-0 contest. Carolina added two empty-net goals, but something was clear.
Carolina, like Toronto at times, was able to get the Panthers to miss shots. Shots were altered more often as Florida players could not quite be in that prime scoring position. Fractions of a second make a huge difference. Carolina was able to close off gaps better, and their defense was in the right spaces.
Now, the big question is this. Can Carolina do this three more times or even one more time? The Hurricanes ended the long conference final losing streak, but they must keep winning to stay alive. Both teams have differing levels of pressure. Florida also has a trio of injured players who practiced on Tuesday.
Florida looked downright complacent during most of Game 4, and that second gear never showed. Paul Maurice felt Carolina could have easily been up 3-0 or 4-0 early. The Florida coach was not happy with the effort, but this is the Panthers in a nutshell.
Expect the best efforts from both teams on Wednesday night. If a game were to go to overtime, this might be it. Honestly, the last two games have been closer to this than most realize.
An Extra One Timer: Florida and Carolina 60 minute draw +300 via Caesars.
The Race To Five Shots
It looked like Carolina had a plan in Game 4. This plan was executed in parts of Game 3, but Florida still had chances. The difference on Monday was that Carolina dominated shots and scoring chances, especially early. Expected goals were 2.13 to 0.43 in favor of the Hurricanes after 40 minutes at even strength.
Scoring chances were 19-6 after 40 minutes. Shots were 17-9 after 30 minutes. Shots initially saw Carolina blow past five well before Florida did. A home start might push that total up again.
Opportunities and scoring chances should give Carolina an advantage here. It is nice to see the race to five shots being dead even (-115 for both teams). Florida will fight better for chances and get in positions to shoot. That may pay dividends later in Game 5. However, weathering that first 10 minutes is expected to favor the Hurricanes.
Top NHL Betting Pick: Carolina Hurricanes first to five shots (-115 at DraftKings).
For All That Goes Wrong, There Is A Right
Florida did not score once in Game 4, but pulling the goaltender unexpectedly paid dividends. Yes, two goals were scored in the final minutes thanks to that extra man. With the 3-0 score, that was enough to cash in on the most goals scored in a period wager. Sometimes it is better to be lucky than good.
Anyway, part of the problem with Game 5 bets is that, at press time, no one knows who will return from Florida. Sam Reinhart makes quite a difference, but so do Niko Mikkola and AJ Greer.
The Panthers are more dominant when Florida gets the push and hits the target. It is that simple. Now, let us get the blocks going. Jaccob Slavin has 21 blocks over his last five games. His -150 number is not the most ideal for 3+ blocks, but it is one play. The other is Gustav Forsling over 1.5 blocks at -110 for Florida.
Game 5 Block Party: Jaccob Slavin Over 2.5 blocks (-150 via FanDuel).
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