The second match of the Stanley Cup semi-final between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Florida Panthers will take place on May 23 at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh. The series score is 1-0 in favor of Florida. Carolina vs. Florida: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Carolina Hurricanes
Rod Brind'Amour's team ended their three-game playoff winning streak, losing the first semi-final match 2-5. Notably, the club lost at home for the first time in this Stanley Cup run, marking their 13th consecutive defeat in the NHL semi-finals. Despite having an advantage in shots (33:20), they managed to beat Sergei Bobrovsky only twice, with the second goal coming on a power play. Carolina boasts one of the highest power play conversion rates in this playoff (27.8%). Seth Jarvis stood out with two assists.
- Carolina has not scored more than three goals in regulation time in 8 of their last 10 home NHL meetings.
- The team has won 5 of their last 6 home league matches (1 in OT).
- Carolina has conceded no more than two goals in regulation time in 4 of their last 6 home NHL games.
Florida Panthers
Paul Maurice's team took the lead in the series, securing their fifth win in the last six NHL playoff games (1 in OT). Florida scored twice on the power play. The teams combined for 97 hits in this match. Three players from the visiting team each scored two points: Carter Verhaeghe (1+1), and Evan Rodrigues and Tomas Nosek, who both had two assists. Florida displaced Carolina from the top spot in penalty killing after the last meeting (88.1%). Additionally, they remain the highest-scoring team with 50 goals.
- Florida has won 4 of their last 6 NHL meetings at Carolina's venue (2 in OT).
- The team has scored at least four goals in regulation time in 5 of their last 6 away league games.
- At least seven goals have been scored in regulation time in Florida's last six away NHL games.
Carolina vs. Florida: Match Prediction
The hosts were affected by their game rhythm in the first match, as Florida looked stronger and deservedly won the series opener. The visitors capitalized on their opponent's mistakes, excelled on the power play, and the team's leaders, along with a solid performance from Sergei Bobrovsky, have made it difficult for Rod Brind'Amour's team to neutralize Florida's confidence.
Despite Carolina's consistent home results, the recent semi-final matches in the Stanley Cup have been challenging, with 13 consecutive losses. Florida is in good physical shape and holds a psychological advantage, thus they could potentially double their series lead in the upcoming game. Paul Maurice's team has won three consecutive regulation-time playoff games on the road. Moreover, Florida has won in regulation time in their last two NHL meetings at the opponent's venue.
Carolina needs to learn from this, but their opponent, as the reigning Stanley Cup holder, appears more convincing and determined to reach the final stage this season. I believe the visitors have every chance to increase their lead. My prediction: Florida Panthers to win
