The Carolina Hurricanes (22-14-2) travel to face off against the Florida Panthers (23-13-2) on Thursday, January 2nd. This game will be played at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise and televised on ESPN+. Both team’s come into this one having won their previous games. Puck drop is set for 7:00 ET.

Hurricanes vs Panthers

The Carolina Hurricanes Are Coming Off A Win

With a 4-2 win over the Capitals, the Hurricanes improved to 22-14-2 this season. Carolina covered the puck line as -1.5 goal favorites, and the total of 6 goals matched the pre-game line.

Carolina took an early lead, but Washington responded with two goals in the first period. The Hurricanes then scored three unanswered goals, including an empty-netter, to secure the win.

The Florida Panthers Are Coming Off A Win

Florida improved to 23-13-2 with a 4-2 win over the Stars. The Panthers, favored at -1.5 goals, covered the puck line. The total was set at 6.5 goals, and the combined 6 goals fell just short.

Four different Panthers scored in the game. They led 2-0 before the Stars tied it up, but Florida pulled away with two more goals, including an empty-netter, to secure the win.

Carolina Offense Breakdown

Dmitry Orlov led the Hurricanes with two goals in their 4-2 win over Washington, scoring for the third time this season. Orlov found the net once in the first period and again in the second. Martin Necas added his sixth goal of the season and recorded two assists, bringing his total to 12 assists this year. Andrei Svechnikov also scored, netting his sixth goal on an empty-netter with 9 seconds remaining.

Carolina fired 45 shots on goal but was held scoreless on the power play. The Hurricanes scored once in the first period, twice in the second, and added their fourth goal with an empty-netter in the final seconds. They registered 14 giveaways in the game.

Panthers Offense Breakdown

Carolina’s offense was highlighted by A.J. Greer’s first goal of the season, which came 2:32 into the third period. Sam Reinhart added his 10th goal of the year on an empty net with 1:00 remaining. The Panthers’ other goals came from Evan Rodrigues, who scored 5:15 into the first period, and Matthew Tkachuk, who netted his third goal on a power play at 11:13 in the second period.

Carolina took 25 shots on goal and recorded 16 giveaways. The Panthers scored twice in the third period, including Greer’s goal and Reinhart’s empty-netter.

Carolina Team Defense

Carolina’s defense allowed the first two goals in their previous game, but they tightened up after that, helping the Hurricanes secure a 4-2 victory. Pyotr Kochetkov made 19 saves with a 90.5% save percentage, and the defense finished with 7 takeaways and 10 hits.

Florida Team Defense

Defensively, the Panthers will look to build on their last performance, where they allowed just two goals to the Stars. Spencer Knight made 23 saves with a 92% save percentage, and the defense registered 8 takeaways and 22 hits. After giving up two goals in the second period, the Panthers shut out the Stars in the third.

Hurricanes vs Panthers Trends

• In their last ten games away from home, the Hurricanes have a straight up record of 2-8 while going 2-8 vs the spread. The team’s offense averaged 2 goals per game in these contests.
• In their last five games at home, the Panthers have a straight up record of 3-2 while going 2-3 vs the spread. The team averaged 2 goals per game in this stretch.
• Florida has done well both straight up and vs the puck line when favored to win the game, going 3-0 SU and 3-0 puck line in their last three games.
• In their last ten games as the betting favorite, the Hurricanes have a straight up record of 5-5 and an puck line mark of 4-6.

Hurricanes vs Panthers Prediction

If you’re looking for a moneyline pick, my choice is the Panthers to take down the Hurricanes at home. With the moneyline currently at -125, I’m placing my bet on the Panthers straight-up.

When it comes to my suggested pick for the puck line, I’d advise taking the Hurricanes to cover. Even in the event of a Panthers victory, this matchup is likely to remain closely contested, and the Hurricanes should cover the puck line.

If you’re looking at the over/under line set at 6 goals, our prediction is that this game will exceed that mark, and we strongly advise placing a bet on the over.

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All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

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* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.