Panthers vs Hurricanes Game 3 Prediction NHL Playoffs 5/22

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Game Preview: Hurricanes vs Panthers (May 22, 2023) Pregame - Florida brings 2-0 series lead into game 3 against Carolina

The highly anticipated third round matchup between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Florida Panthers will take place on May 22, 2023, at Sunrise, Florida. The Panthers hold a commanding 2-0 series lead in the Stanley Cup Semifinals, putting immense pressure on the Hurricanes, who must win this game to keep their hopes alive. In terms of the latest NHL picks, experts, and computer predictions, the Panthers are predicted to continue their dominance with a -118 money line, while the Hurricanes remain underdogs at -101. The over/under points for the game are set at 5.5. As for the best NHL bets today, the Panthers seem to be the popular choice with the nhl today experts, who have also been backing Florida to make the Stanley Cup Finals. However, the Hurricanes are not to be underestimated and will undoubtedly come into this game with a determined mentality. The matchup between these two teams has been nothing short of exciting, with the Panthers winning their previous season matchup 2-1 in overtime. Carolina is known for their power-play goals, while Florida has shown their prowess in games where they score three or more goals. The top performers for the Panthers include Carter Verhaeghe, who has scored 42 goals and added 31 assists, and Matthew Tkachuk with five goals and eight assists over the past 10 games. For the Hurricanes, it's Martin Necas with 28 goals and 43 assists, and Jordan Martinook with three goals and seven assists over the same period. Although the Panthers have been on a roll, winning nine of their last 10 games, the Hurricanes have also had a strong run, with a record of 6-2-2. With several players out due to injuries, including Andrei Svechnikov, Jake Gardiner, Max Pacioretty, and Ondrej Kase, the Hurricanes will need to dig deep into their lineup to clinch a win against the Panthers. 

Hurricanes: Offensive Analysis

The Carolina Hurricanes find themselves down 2-0 in the series against the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Semifinals. Going into game 3, their offense needs to step up if they want to make a comeback. Carolina has a talented group of forwards, including Martin Necas who has 28 goals and 43 assists on the season. However, they have struggled to score goals in this series, only finding the back of the net twice in two games. They need to generate more scoring opportunities and convert them into goals if they want to turn the series around. The Hurricanes have gone 22-3-0 in games where they score at least one power-play goal, so they need to take advantage of any opportunities they get with the man advantage. They also need their top players, such as Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov (if he returns from injury), to step up and lead the way offensively. The Panthers have been solid defensively, but the Hurricanes have the ability to break through. They have averaged 3.6 goals in their last 10 games, and they will need to continue that offensive output to have a chance in this series. When it comes to NHL picks and predictions, the experts and computers may not be giving the Hurricanes a great chance in this series. However, any team can make a comeback in the playoffs, and the Hurricanes have the talent to do so. In terms of best NHL bets today, it may be risky to bet on the Hurricanes given their recent struggles. However, if they can find their offensive groove, they could provide value as an underdog pick or in a parlay. Overall, the Hurricanes need to have a strong offensive performance in game 3 if they want to keep their Stanley Cup hopes alive.

Hurricanes: Defensive Analysis

The Carolina Hurricanes will need to step up their defensive game in order to avoid falling behind 3-0 in the series against the Florida Panthers. The Hurricanes gave up four goals in each of the first two games, allowing the Panthers to take a commanding lead. One key area where the Hurricanes can improve defensively is by cutting down on penalties. In Game 2, Carolina gave the Panthers six power-play opportunities, leading to two power-play goals. The Hurricanes will need to stay disciplined and avoid giving Florida too many chances with the man advantage. Carolina's penalty kill has been solid throughout the playoffs, but they will need to be even better against a dangerous Panthers power play. The Hurricanes will rely on key penalty killers such as Jordan Staal, Teuvo Teravainen, and Brock McGinn to lead the way. In terms of goaltending, the Hurricanes need a big performance from starter Alex Nedeljkovic. He struggled in Game 2, allowing four goals on 19 shots before being pulled in favor of Petr Mrazek. Nedeljkovic has been one of the best goalies in the league this season, and the Hurricanes will need him to bounce back if they hope to get back into the series. The Hurricanes' defensemen will also need to do a better job of limiting high-danger chances. In Game 2, Florida had several breakaways and odd-man rushes that led to goals. Carolina's defensive corps, led by Jaccob Slavin and Dougie Hamilton, will need to tighten up and make smarter decisions with the puck. Overall, the Hurricanes have the talent and depth to turn this series around, but they will need to be much better defensively to do so. If they can stay out of the penalty box, kill penalties effectively, and limit high-danger chances, they have a good chance of winning Game 3 and getting back into the series.

Panthers : Offense Analysis

When it comes to betting on the NHL, expert picks and computer predictions can only take you so far, and unfortunately for the Carolina Hurricanes, their offense is not doing them any favors in this series against the Florida Panthers. The Hurricanes have only managed to score two goals in their first two games, both losses. In order to have a chance at coming back in this series, their offense needs to step up and produce more. On the other hand, the Panthers have been on fire lately, winning 9 out of their last 10 games. Their offense has been a big reason why, averaging 3.4 goals per game in that span. They have several top performers on their team, including Carter Verhaeghe and Matthew Tkachuk, who have been playing at a high level. The Hurricanes' defense will need to be on their A-game to try and contain them. When it comes to the betting odds, the Panthers are favored at -118, with the Hurricanes at -101. The over/under is set at 5.5. If you're looking for the best NHL bets today, taking the Panthers at home may be the way to go, especially given their recent success and the Hurricanes' struggles on offense. Overall, the offense will be a key factor in this game and in the rest of the series. The Panthers have the advantage in that department, but anything can happen in the playoffs. It will be interesting to see how these two teams match up in this crucial third game of the series.

Panthers: Defensive Analysis

As the Florida Panthers bring a 2-0 series lead into game 3 against the Carolina Hurricanes, their defense has been a standout factor in their success. The Panthers have allowed just three goals in the first two games, thanks in large part to their defensive core. Defensemen Aaron Ekblad and MacKenzie Weegar have been rock solid in their own zone, making it difficult for the Hurricanes to generate quality scoring chances. They have also chipped in offensively, with Ekblad tallying two goals and Weegar adding three assists in the series. The Panthers' penalty kill has also been a major strength, as they have yet to allow a power-play goal in the series. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky has been a key component of their penalty kill success, as he has made a number of big saves to keep the Hurricanes off the board. It will be important for the Panthers to stay disciplined in game 3, as the Hurricanes have a talented power play unit. However, if the Panthers can continue to play strong defense and limit the Hurricanes' scoring chances, they will have a good chance of extending their series lead. The NHL picks experts and computer algorithms are favoring the Panthers to win game 3 and continue their dominance in the series. Their defense will be a major factor in determining the outcome of the game and the series as a whole. Based on recent NHL picks and predictions, the Panthers have the best NHL bets today for their game against the Hurricanes.

Injury Report

Heading into game 3 of the Stanley Cup Semifinals, both the Carolina Hurricanes and the Florida Panthers have a few key players dealing with injuries. For the Panthers, forward Patric Hornqvist is out for the rest of the season due to a concussion. While Hornqvist's absence is a blow to the Panthers' offense, they have been able to overcome it so far in the playoffs. On the Hurricanes' side, they are dealing with a few more injuries. Forward Ondrej Kase is out due to a concussion, defenseman Jake Gardiner is dealing with an injury to his hip and back, and forward Max Pacioretty is out with an Achilles injury. Additionally, star forward Andrei Svechnikov is out for the remainder of the season with a knee injury. These injuries have definitely impacted the Hurricanes' lineup, but they have been able to stay competitive in the playoffs nonetheless. 

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