No one wants to face the Bruins in the first round, so this is still a significant game for the Panthers. They have come down the stretch winning 6 of 7, losing that one game in OT.
They're getting great goal-tending from back up Alex Lyon. He has played in 7 straight games, and hasn't given up more than 2 goals in any of them. Andersen is projected to start in goal for the Hurricanes. He has bee up and down in his last 8 starts. The Canes are just 1-3 lately and haven't fared well against the Panthers when playing in Fla. Carolina is the better defensive team, but it is the Panthers who have been keeping goals against down. They haven't given up more than 2 in any of their last 8 games. The Panthers have a very solid edge on offense.
I like the Panthers' chances on Thursday. It is a more meaningful game and they are the much hotter team. Take Florida to win outright. 10*