NHL Playoffs Best Bets, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (Hurricanes vs. Panthers)
Well, if you haven't heard by now, this is the first time in history that all four conference finals across the NHL and NBA see their series at 3-0. Specifically in the NHL, it's just the fourth time.
With that, the Carolina Hurricanes (0-3) have their backs against the wall tonight as they try to stave off elimination against the Florida Panthers.
Below I'll tell you what I think about the game from a betting perspective. I've narrowed in on plays for both the side and the total tonight. This Eastern Conference showdown is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. EST from FLA Live Arena in Sunrise, Fla.
NHL '22-'23 Record: 20-54 (-26.55 Units)
Today's Best NHL Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Carolina Hurricanes (-105) vs. Florida Panthers (-115) | 5.5 (+105/-125)
Even though the series is 3-0 in favor of the Panthers, it doesn't feel like a 3-0 series. This has been a fantastic matchup from an outside perspective. If the Cats can pull off the sweep, it will be the most tightly-contested sweep in history (at least that I can remember).
That said, I'm locking in the Hurricanes on the moneyline tonight. I'm not worried about the defensive end of the ice for Carolina. They've been just about as good as you can be defensively, allowing just four regulation goals over the 180 minutes of regulation hockey this series.
The question becomes whether they have enough juice upfront to sneak a couple of goals past the red-hot Sergei Bobrovsky. The Russian-born netminder is on a tear, stopping 132 shots out of 135 attempts this series (.978 SV%).
Based on how Bobrovsky is playing right now, I don't blame anyone for backing the Panthers to close out the series tonight in another low-scoring affair. However, this Canes team is simply too good to get swept out of the playoffs. They're fantastic defensively, and they've managed to get timely goals all season. Look for them to pour on the pressure offensively and do their best to play with a lead rather than chasing. I'm going to take a shot with Carolina to avoid the sweep.
Best Side Bet: Carolina Hurricanes Moneyline (-105)
I'm more confident in locking in the under 5.5 goals for tonight's Game 4. As mentioned, Bobrovsky is playing exceptionally, and he's coming off a 1-0 shutout victory on Monday night. Florida's head coach, Paul Maurice, has had all of the answers for Carolina's offense. His team is completely bought in, as they blocked 23 shots in Monday's game, bringing their total up to 75 for the series.
Conversely, Rod Brind'Amour's club has been a defensive juggernaut all season. That's carried over to the postseason, where the Hurricanes allow just 2.36 goals per game (second). I would assume he'll opt for Frederik Andersen again tonight, but you really can't go wrong with Antti Raanta, either. This is arguably the best one-two punch in hockey in terms of netminding.
Ultimately, with this being an elimination game, you can expect all parties involved to be playing sharp, fundamental hockey tonight. Carolina won't fare well if this game sees a lot of goals. So as much as I think they'll pour on the offensive pressure, they need to ensure they have their own zone secured first and foremost. All statistics point to the Under cashing for a fourth consecutive time in this series.
Best Total Bet: Under 5.5 (-125)
Check out our other best bets for Wednesday:
- MLB PrizePicks Player Predictions
- MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks & Predictions
- NHL Playoffs Best Bet Odds, Picks & Predictions
- NHL Playoffs Same Game Parlay Odds, Picks & Predictions
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | RadioPublic | Breaker | Castbox | Pocket Casts