Game Preview

The Florida Panthers are on the brink of advancing to the Stanley Cup Final, holding a 3-1 series lead over the Carolina Hurricanes. However, the Hurricanes showed resilience in Game 4 with a 3-0 victory, keeping their hopes alive. Will the Panthers seal the deal in Game 5, or will the Hurricanes push the series back to South Florida?

Key Matchup Notes

• Series Odds: The Panthers' odds to win the series are now -1600, while the Hurricanes' odds have shifted to +750.
• Conn Smythe Candidates: Sergei Bobrovsky leads the Conn Smythe race at +200, followed by Aleksander Barkov at +800.
• Historical Context: The Hurricanes snapped a 15-game conference finals losing streak with their Game 4 win, marking their first victory in the round since 2006.

Player Highlights

• Frederik Andersen: Made 20 saves for his fifth career playoff shutout, joining an elite group of Hurricanes goaltenders.
• Logan Stankoven: Scored his fifth playoff goal, joining Erik Cole and Warren Foegele as rookies with at least five goals in a single playoffs.
• Sebastian Aho: Scored an empty-net goal, extending his franchise record for career playoff goals.

Betting Insights

• Panthers' Power Play: Struggled in Game 4, going 0-4 and now 0-8 in the last two games.
• Sam Bennett: Leads the Panthers with nine postseason goals, two shy of the franchise record.

Scoring Leaders

• Aleksander Barkov: 16 GP, 6 G, 9 A
• Seth Jarvis: 14 GP, 5 G, 9 A

Conclusion

Game 5 promises to be a pivotal moment in this series. Will the Panthers close it out, or will the Hurricanes extend their playoff journey? Tune in to find out.