The Carolina Hurricanes (51-21-9) visit the Florida Panthers (42-31-8) on Thursday. Puck drop from FLA Live Arena is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Hurricanes vs. Panthers odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
The Hurricanes had an adventure on the final charter flight of the regular season, as their Boeing 737 was diverted to Miami International Airport due to torrential rains and an airport closure at Fort Lauderdale International Airport Wednesday night.
Carolina is playing for a Metropolitan Division title. It enters with 111 points, to 110 for the second-place New Jersey Devils. If the teams end up tied, regulation wins are the tiebreaker, and the Devils enter play Wednesday with 39 regulation wins to just 38 for the Canes. New Jersey closes its season on the road at the Washington Capitals Thursday.
The Panthers are playing to finish in the top Eastern Conference Wild Card, attempting to dodge the No. 1-seed Boston Bruins. Florida has won 6 of the past 7 games overall while going 5-2 in the past 7 against Metropolitan Division teams. Florida trails the New York Islanders by 1 point; the Isles have finished regular-season play.
Florida has won 5 of the past 6 meetings with Carolina, and the home team is 7-3 in the previous 10 meetings in the series.
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Hurricanes at Panthers odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:25 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Hurricanes -105 (bet $105 to win $100) | Panthers -115 (bet $115 to win $100)
- Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Hurricanes +1.5 (-250) | Panthers -1.5 (+200)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Hurricanes at Panthers projected goalies
Frederik Andersen (20-11-1, 2.43 GAA, .904 SV%, 1 SO) vs. Alex Lyon (9-3-2, 2.80 GAA, .916 SV%, 1 SO)
Andersen has dropped his past 2 starts, although a lack of offensive support is to blame. He has allowed just 6 total goals on 76 shots in 3 April starts, good for a .921 SV% and 2.04 GAA but is just 1-2-0 due to lack of offensive support. The Danish netminder has allowed 3 or fewer goals in 7 consecutive outings.
Lyon has been red-hot down the stretch for the Panthers, and it’s hard to envision the team turning to veteran Sergei Bobrovsky (24-20-3, 3.07 GAA, .901 SV%, 1 SO) in such a crucial game. Bob was sidelined for a week due to a non-COVID illness, last playing March 27, and he has been the backup since returning.
Lyon has sparkled in 5 April starts, going 4-0-1 with a 1.38 GAA, .958 SV% and a shutout.
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Hurricanes at Panthers picks and predictions
Prediction
Panthers 3, Hurricanes 2
Moneyline
The PANTHERS (-115) are worth playing at home as they shoot for the top wild card. This will be a tough one, as the Hurricanes are very much alive for a Metropolitan Division title. However, Carolina has dropped 3 in a row on the road and all 3 setbacks were against non-playoff teams.
Puck line/Against the spread
The Hurricanes +1.5 (-250) are quite expensive on the road, costing you 2 1/2 times your return. It’s just not worth the single goal of insurance. This game figures to be very close, but if you like Carolina, just take a chance on it straight up instead.
PASS.
Over/Under
The UNDER 6.5 (-110) is the lean in this super-important Eastern Conference matchup.
Both teams have a lot at stake and are not likely not to take a lot of chances that might give the opposition a chance at an odd-man break. Expect a lot of careful play.
The Under is 8-1 in the past 9 games for the Hurricanes while going 5-1 in the past 6 games on the road.
The Under is 4-1-4 in the past 9 games overall for the Panthers while going 3-1-2 in the past 6 against Metropolitan Division foes.
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