The Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers are set to clash in Game 1 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Final on Tuesday. The host Hurricanes have enjoyed extra rest since defeating the Washington Capitals in Game 5 of their second-round series last Thursday. In contrast, the defending Stanley Cup champion Panthers face a quick turnaround after concluding their demanding seven-game series against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday. Puck drop is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET at PNC Arena in Raleigh.
Ahead of Game 1, betting odds position Carolina as the favorite with a -125 money line, while Florida is the underdog at +105. Among players, Seth Jarvis has the lowest odds to score at any point in the game at +195, followed closely by Sam Reinhart and Andrei Svechnikov at +210. Goalie save total lines are set at 23.5 for Carolina`s Frederik Andersen and 25.5 for Florida`s Sergei Bobrovsky. Analysis from a proven NHL projection model provides insights and specific picks for this matchup.
This statistical model has a strong performance record in the 2025 NHL playoffs, holding a combined 80-56 mark on top-rated puck-line and over/under betting recommendations, resulting in significant returns for bettors.
Top Player Prop Bets for Game 1
Based on the model`s analysis and player performance, here are three recommended player prop bets for the Hurricanes vs. Panthers Game 1:
Andrei Svechnikov Over 2.5 shots on goal (-140): The dynamic Russian forward has consistently directed pucks towards the net, registering three or more shots in four of his last five playoff contests. This includes an impressive nine-shot outing earlier in the postseason. He is expected to remain active, challenging goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky.
Sam Reinhart anytime goal-scorer (+210): A key offensive threat for the Panthers and a member of last year`s Cup-winning squad, Reinhart has already found the back of the net four times in the current playoffs. He also scored against the Hurricanes during the regular season and demonstrated his scoring touch recently with a goal against Toronto on Sunday.
Frederik Andersen over 23.5 saves (-115): With the game total projected at over 5.5 goals, Carolina`s starting netminder is anticipated to see considerable action. While the Hurricanes boast a league-leading playoff save percentage (.929), Andersen will be tested by a Panthers team that averages nearly 29 shots per game. This volume suggests Andersen is likely to face more than 23 shots and make over 23.5 saves.
