The Game 5 of the Stanley Cup semifinals between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Florida Panthers will take place on May 29 at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh. The series score is 3-1 in favor of Florida. Carolina vs. Florida: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Carolina Hurricanes
The team secured a 3-0 victory in the previous match, ending a 15-game losing streak at the semifinal stage. Notably, the last time Carolina won a conference final match was in 2006. In the last game, the visitors opened the scoring only in the second period and strengthened their lead in the final third by scoring twice within 26 seconds, both times into an empty net.
Carolina ranks third in this playoff for goals scored (41). Additionally, they are among the top four in power play efficiency (26.1%) and rank second in penalty killing (86.1%), trailing only Florida in this category.
- The team has not scored more than three goals in regulation time in 5 of their last 7 home games in the NHL.
- Carolina has won 5 of their last 7 home league matches (1 in OT).
- No more than five goals have been scored over three periods in 6 of Carolina's last 9 NHL games.
Florida Panthers
Paul Maurice's team ended a 4-game winning streak by losing their last home match. This was Florida's second shutout loss in the current playoffs. Slightly, but the team was outshot by the opponent for the second time in this series (20:28). Notably, in this Stanley Cup run, the club remains the highest-scoring team with 61 goals. Additionally, they lead in penalty killing (86.5%).
In the previous game, three players missed out due to injuries: Sam Reinhart, Nico Mikkola, and Anthony John Greer.
- Florida scored at least five goals in regulation time in three previous NHL encounters on Carolina's ice.
- The club has won after three periods in four previous away league games.
- At least seven goals were scored in regulation time in 6 of Florida's last 7 NHL away matches.
Carolina vs. Florida: Match Prediction
Rod Brind'Amour's side played with more confidence in the last match, but Florida, missing several key players, did not look as convincing as before. Nevertheless, I do not believe Carolina will manage to win another game. Paul Maurice's team, despite the loss, looks better throughout the series, and it's not just about the score but also the approach, vision of the game, and actions of the leaders. All this suggests that Carolina merely postponed the inevitable in the last match.
Florida's recent away games have been successful, currently boasting a four-game winning streak in regulation time. Carolina, on the other hand, lost both home games in this series after three periods. Therefore, I think Florida will close the series in the upcoming match. In my view, Carolina will not have the strength to extend their playoff run.
My prediction: Florida Panthers to win
