2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs: Panthers vs Hurricanes Game 2 Best Bets
Grant White
Host · Writer
The Florida Panthers drew first blood in the Eastern Conference Final, but the Carolina Hurricanes have a chance to punch back at home in Game 2. Despite the 5-2 final in Game 1, the box score doesn’t quite tell the whole story. Carolina skated better than the scoreline suggests—and savvy bettors are circling Thursday night as a prime bounce-back opportunity for the Canes.
We’re diving into the top betting angles for Game 2, including a plus-money prop on the Hurricanes’ top playmaker and a moneyline position supported by elite analytics.
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Panthers vs Hurricanes Game 2 Best Bet
Don’t let the 5-2 loss in Game 1 fool you—Carolina controlled much of the underlying play. The Hurricanes posted a 55.1% expected goals-for (xGF) rate in the opener and have topped 59.7% over their last seven games, clearly outperforming opponents at 5-on-5. That trend is consistent with their broader postseason body of work, where they hold a 53.9% xGF share, reflecting their long-standing analytics dominance.
Meanwhile, the Panthers’ offense continues to outperform its metrics. In Game 1, Florida scored three goals at even strength, more than double their expected 1.5 xGF. Over their last six games, they’ve totaled 19 goals against an expected 14.2, thanks to an inflated 12.8% shooting percentage and a PDO of 1.053—both clear red flags for regression.
When a team plays well but loses, the value is usually on their side the next time out. At a fair price on home ice, Carolina is worth backing to even the series.
Pick: Hurricanes Moneyline (-128)
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Panthers vs Hurricanes Top Player Prop
Sebastian Aho drives Carolina’s offense, even if the puck hasn’t consistently found the net lately. He’s notched 11 points in 11 playoff games and scored in Game 1, but it was just his first goal in his last six outings. The chances have been there—14 shots on goal over that stretch—but the puck luck hasn’t.
Analytically, Aho is due. He carries a 65.9% Corsi and a 64.9% xGF rating across all strengths, generating a blistering 13.5 scoring chances and 5.1 high-danger chances per game. He’s been active, dangerous, and planted in the offensive zone with 57.6% of his shifts starting in the attacking end.
More importantly, his shooting percentage is well below his career average of 15.1%, a strong signal of pending positive regression. At +200, you’re getting value on a player doing everything right and just waiting for the dam to break. This is a great time to bet Aho to light the lamp.
Pick: Sebastian Aho Anytime Goal Scorer (+200)
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The Hurricanes may have stumbled in Game 1, but the numbers suggest they’re better positioned than the scoreboard showed. With elite metrics backing them and positive regression due for their top scorer, Carolina is primed for a bounce-back in Game 2. Backing the Canes on the moneyline and riding with Sebastian Aho to find the net offers value in a pivotal Eastern Conference Finals matchup.
