NHL Best Bets Today: Expert NHL Picks for 05/26/2025

The Panthers have absolutely dominated this Eastern Conference Finals series, outscoring the Hurricanes by a lopsided 16-4 margin through the first three games.

Unlike last year's tight series where all games were decided by a single goal, Florida has been in complete control, winning Game 3 by a convincing 6-2 score after a five-goal explosion in the third period.

Carolina appears hesitant offensively, passing too much instead of shooting, while Florida has consistently imposed their physical style of play throughout the series.

With the Panthers looking to close out the sweep on home ice, they should continue their aggressive approach that's completely thrown Rod Brind'Amour's team off their game.

The Hurricanes are now riding an NHL record 15 consecutive losses in conference finals games, and Florida has all the momentum to deliver another convincing win and punch their ticket to the Stanley Cup Final.

Florida has been in complete control of this series, winning all three games convincingly and outshooting the Hurricanes 16-4 over that span.

The Panthers' top players are firing on all cylinders, with Aleksander Barkov, Sam Bennett and the forward group creating constant offensive pressure through quick puck movement and zone entries.

Defensively, Florida has been equally impressive with Aaron Ekblad, Seth Jones and their blueline forcing turnovers and limiting Carolina's shooting opportunities.

Sergei Bobrovsky has been stellar in net, giving the Panthers a significant advantage in the goaltending matchup as they look to complete the sweep.

With home ice advantage for Game 4 and all momentum on their side, Florida is in prime position to close out the series and advance to the Stanley Cup Final.

After a six-goal outburst in Game 3, the Panthers' offense appears to be hitting its stride at the perfect time heading into a potential series clincher.

Florida's attack features multiple scoring threats in Aleksander Barkov, Sam Bennett, and Matthew Tkachuk who are all creating quality chances through effective puck movement and net-front presence.

Carolina, facing elimination, will likely open up their game and take more chances offensively after being criticized for being too hesitant with the puck in previous games.

The Hurricanes' skilled forwards like Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis should generate more high-danger scoring opportunities as they desperately try to extend the series.

With both teams' defensemen also contributing offensively from the point and the game likely to open up as it progresses, we should see enough scoring to push this over the 5.5 total.