The third match of the Stanley Cup semi-final between the Florida Panthers and the Carolina Hurricanes will take place on May 25 at the FLA Live Arena in Sunrise. The series score is 2-0 in favor of Florida. Florida vs. Carolina: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Florida Panthers
Paul Maurice's team doubled their lead in the series with a commanding 5-0 victory in the last game. Florida opened the scoring in the second minute and capitalized on the power play twice during the match. Notably, Carter Verhaeghe (0+3) and Sam Bennett (2+1) each tallied three points for the club. In this Stanley Cup run, the team remains the highest-scoring with 55 goals. Additionally, they rank fourth in power play efficiency (27.3%) and lead in penalty killing (88.9%).
Forward Sam Reinhart left the previous game early after a collision with Sebastian Aho, exiting the ice without putting weight on his left leg. Reinhart has 11 points (4+7) in this playoff, and his participation in the rest of the series is in doubt.
- Florida has not won in regulation time in 5 of their last 7 home NHL games (2 draws, 3 losses).
- The team has not scored more than three goals in 60 minutes in 5 of their last 7 home games in the league.
- At least seven goals have been scored in regulation time in 7 of Florida's last 10 NHL games.
Carolina Hurricanes
Rod Brind'Amour's side lost consecutive matches for the first time in this playoff. The team managed only 19 shots on target, failing to score for the first time in this Stanley Cup run. Once a leader in penalty killing, Carolina has dropped to fourth place in this playoff with an 82.9% success rate. Nevertheless, they remain among the top-scoring teams in this Stanley Cup run, with 36 goals.
- The club has not scored more than two goals in regulation time in 5 of their last 8 head-to-head NHL meetings.
- No more than four goals have been scored in 60 minutes in Carolina's last three away league games.
- The team has lost 8 of their last 11 away NHL games (2 in OT).
Florida vs. Carolina: Match Prediction
Carolina is currently following a similar series scenario to the one they played against this opponent two years ago when Florida advanced to the final with a shutout victory. Judging by the first two games, the club could repeat this success. Much of this matchup is decided by Sergei Bobrovsky, who has allowed only two goals in two games, while the team consistently scores at least five goals. Carolina's situation is worsened by the psychological advantage Florida holds, and Rod Brind'Amour's team has struggled on the road in this playoff, losing 5 out of 8 times (2 in OT).
There are no indications that Florida will drastically change their approach at home. As hosts, they have won 3 of their last 4 NHL games (1 in OT) and have 7 wins in their last 9 home meetings in the league (1 in OT).
It's likely that Carolina will attempt to change something in their game structure or lineup, yet I believe the hosts will claim the third game. My prediction: Florida Panthers to win the match
