The Carolina Hurricanes face a must-win situation as they host the Florida Panthers in Game 5 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Final on Wednesday. Carolina successfully avoided elimination with a 3-0 shutout victory in Game 4, but they still trail the series 3-1. Puck drop for the crucial Game 5 is set for 8 p.m. ET at PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC.
According to the latest odds, Florida is the favorite at -118 on the money line, meaning a $118 wager would win $100. Carolina is the underdog at -102, where a $102 bet would yield $100. The total goals over/under is set at 5.5. Florida is also favored on the puck line at -1.5, with odds of +206. For informed betting decisions, consider the NHL predictions from SportsLine`s proven computer model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NHL game 10,000 times. The model has been performing strongly during the conference finals of the 2025 NHL playoffs, holding a combined record of 80-56 on top-rated NHL puck-line and over/under betting picks. This track record has generated over $1,600 in returns for players wagering $100 per pick.
Based on these simulations, here are some of the model`s top betting picks for the Hurricanes vs. Panthers game on Wednesday:
- Hurricanes +1.5 on the puck line (-256)
- Over 5.5 total goals (+105)
Regarding the Hurricanes +1.5 puck line pick: Prior to this series against Florida, Carolina consistently won and covered the puck line in all their home playoff games. While goaltender Frederik Andersen struggled in Games 1 and 2 at PNC Arena, allowing five goals in each, he rebounded impressively with a 20-save shutout in Game 4. The SportsLine model specifically predicts that the Hurricanes will cover the puck line in Game 5 in over 70% of its simulations.
You`ve seen a couple of the key betting recommendations for Wednesday`s Hurricanes vs. Panthers matchup. You can find additional expert picks for every game from the model, which has demonstrated significant success in the 2025 NHL playoffs conference finals.
Explanation for Over 5.5 Goals Pick (+105)
The total number of goals has gone Over the 5.5 line in this series on two occasions, and it was very close in Game 2 when the final score was 5-0 despite the over-under being 5.5. Looking at Florida`s goaltender, Sergei Bobrovsky, the total has exceeded 5.5 goals in three out of his last five starts during the 2025 NHL playoffs.
Betting on the total score to be over 5.5 goals is currently offered at +105 odds.
Looking for more expert NHL betting advice for Wednesday? Matt Severance is recognized as SportsLine`s premier NHL expert, holding an excellent 145-69-8 record on NHL side bets, which has resulted in over $4,000 in profit for those betting $100 on each pick. His top pick for Wednesday is also available on SportsLine.
