The Eastern Conference final begins in earnest as the Carolina Hurricanes host the Florida Panthers on Tuesday.
The pregame narrative: The defending champions are right back at it after besting the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 7 on Sunday. Carolina holds a three-day rest advantage and is favoured to win the series opener at home, where it is 5-0 this postseason.
Check out my Panthers vs. Hurricanes prop picks on Brad Marchand and Matthew Tkachuk for Game 1.
Panthers vs. Hurricanes picks
Best bet: Marchand to record a point (+114)
Marchand is the oldest player on Florida’s roster, but he hasn’t been playing like it.
The 37-year-old has three goals and 12 points this postseason and is coming off a monster performance against the Maple Leafs in Game 7.
Marchand scored a goal and added two assists, sending his longtime rival packing for a fifth time in a winner-take-all situation.
His Panthers will face a much tougher challenge in the conference final. The Hurricanes are allowing the fewest goals (1.80) and chances (50.56) per game, according to Natural Stat Trick.
But I still think this is solid value for Marchand, who is skating on Florida’s third line and will draw a favourable matchup.
The Marchand, Anton Lundell, and Eetu Luostarinen trio generated a team-high 88 chances and six goals against Toronto.
Key stat: Marchand has recorded a point in seven of his last nine games (11 total).
Game 1 prop prediction
Tkachuk under 2.5 shots (-143): This is an ugly-looking pick, but it should be profitable.
Tkachuk is clearly playing hurt after missing a large chunk of the season with a lower-body injury. The forward hasn’t scored in nine games and is averaging just 16:36 of ice time a night.
- Tkachuk is averaging 1.41 shots per game this postseason.
- He’s gone under this mark in 9 of 12 games, landing on exactly three shots in the outliers.
As mentioned, Carolina gives up the fewest chances per game. Playing on short rest, I expect Tkachuk to struggle finding open ice and shooting lanes.
Panthers vs. Hurricanes prop picks made at 11:30 a.m. ET 05/19/2025.
Avery joined NorthStar Gaming as an intern in 2022 before stepping into a full-time role soon after. He loves betting on and analyzing golf — mainly because it’s easier than actually playing — but is a fan of all sports, from the NFL to the UFC.