Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Stanley Cup match.
The Florida Panthers have already navigated two demanding series, showcasing their resilience under pressure. However, the toll of those encounters appears to be catching up with the squad. The Carolina Hurricanes, in contrast, progressed through their rounds with minimal resistance and will open this series on home ice — a venue where the Florida Panthers have struggled to impose themselves.
Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes have been perennial contenders in recent years, though their campaigns have typically ended at the Conference Final. In this postseason, they eased past both the New Jersey Devils and the Washington Capitals, winning each series 4:1. They have been sharp at both ends of the rink, allowing just 18 goals through two rounds while tallying 34. Their leading contributors, Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis, have each collected 10 points, and goaltender Frederik Andersen currently tops the play-offs with a goals-against average of 1.36. The Hurricanes have been dominant on special teams, converting 28.1% of power plays and boasting a league-best 93.3% penalty kill. Their form at home has been impeccable, with five straight wins.
Florida Panthers
The defending Stanley Cup champions have advanced at a steady but taxing pace. After dispatching the Tampa Bay Lightning (4:1), they edged the Toronto Maple Leafs in a gruelling seven-game series. The Panthers are expected to arrive at this semi-final fatigued, and recent history suggests Raleigh has not been a favourable venue for the Florida Panthers — they have managed to score more than three goals in just one of their last eleven visits. While there's been defensive improvement — conceding only three goals across their last four games — their overall average remains 2.42 goals conceded per game. Sergei Bobrovsky has put in work between the pipes, saving 90% of shots faced, though that figure leaves him outside the top ten goaltenders in the current Stanley Cup play-offs.
Carolina Hurricanes vs Florida Panthers Prediction
After a draining series against the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Florida Panthers are likely to be physically depleted. With the opening game taking place on the road — where the Carolina Hurricanes have shown no signs of weakness — the hosts are well positioned to continue their strong home form.
