Proceed carefully, aware that the zig-zag theory can work as well in the NHL as in the NBA. Still, we're reluctant to pick against the Panthers, and not just because of the Canes' puzzling inability to win in this round (it's now 13 straight losses), which might become a psychological barrier. Yet Freddy Andersen didn't look nearly as comfy in goal as did Sergei Bobrovsky in Game One, and Florida was comfortably able to sit back and absorb pressure, content to smother the Canes. When attacking, Florida has been getting production from various lines and even its defenders throughout the playoffs, and the Panthers know what it takes to get thru this round, having done so the past two years. Play Panthers on Money Line

Despite a pair of overs, we don't see that an enduring trend in this conference finals round, especially as unders resonated much of the preceding second round. We still don't think this shapes up a higher-scoring series, especially with Florida playing the sort of defense it has since the middle of the Toronto series. Sergei Bobrovsky has only let in eight goals across the past five games, and the Panthers seemed very content to let the Canes have possession when Carolina was in catch-up mode in Game One. The Panthers didn't create a lot of shots (20) in Game One, however, and even though they've been scoring, Paul Maurice's troops look like they could be very comfy with 3-1 or 3-2 scorelines. Play Panthers-Canes Under

This is my absolute last time fading Florida on the road in the 2025 playoffs should the Cats bite me again. I just can't imagine with how good Carolina has been on home ice that it would lose again there. This is the season. The Panthers clearly got into the Canes' heads with some physical play in Game 1. Carolina did outshoot, outhit and outdraw (won in faceoff circle) Florida. The Hurricanes are 2-0 in games following losses this postseason, outscoring opponents 9-2 with one shutout.