NHL Best Bets Today: Expert NHL Picks for 05/24/2025

The Panthers' offense has been unstoppable lately, scoring 5+ goals in four consecutive playoff games including both games in this series.

Carolina faces a do-or-die situation down 0-2, which should force them to open up their offense and take more risks to avoid falling into a 3-0 hole.

Florida returns home with momentum where their crowd should energize an already confident offensive attack.

The Hurricanes, despite being held to fewer shots than usual, have the offensive weapons to contribute to the scoring as they're desperate to get back in this series.

With Carolina needing to press forward more aggressively, this should create counter-attacking opportunities for Florida, leading to a back-and-forth affair that pushes this game over the total.

The Panthers have seized complete control of this series with two road wins and now return to home ice where they've won 13 of their last 17 games.

Florida's defensive system has stifled Carolina's normally potent offense, limiting the Hurricanes to just 17 shots in Game 2.

Sergei Bobrovsky has been outstanding in net for Florida with three playoff shutouts, including one already in this series.

The Panthers have dominated the head-to-head matchup recently, winning four of their last five home games against Carolina and four of five overall against the Hurricanes.

Even with the potential absence of Sam Reinhart, Florida's forechecking and neutral zone play has consistently disrupted Carolina's rhythm, giving the Panthers a clear edge.

Recent head-to-head trends support the under, with five of the last seven matchups between these teams finishing below the total.

Carolina's road games have consistently gone under, with four of their last five away games staying below the total.

The Hurricanes will need to focus on shutting down Florida's attack to have any chance in this game, which should lead to a more defensive approach.

Game 2 finished under the total with just five goals scored, showing Carolina's adjustments to try limiting Florida's offense.

Bobrovsky has been in elite form with three shutouts this playoff run, and Florida's defense has successfully limited Carolina's shot volume, a trend likely to continue at home.