This is a very tough call. Limited due to injury, the Canes offense was questioned coming into the playoffs and the Panthers were largely written off with a 21st rated defense. True to form, the Hurricanes stymied the opposition, allowing the least goals of any remaining team. They were equally tough on the PK, and in spite of a "scoring by committee" approach, have scored as many goals as the Panthers while playing one less game. Both teams got stellar goal-tending in the last series. Bobrovsky re-found his form and was phenomenal in the Leaf series. Andersen, even allowing for one very bad game, still finished the last series with a .931 save %. The Panthers do have an edge on the power play but the Canes have really limited PP opportunities with the least number of penalty minutes. Carolina was one of the very best home teams this year while the Panthers were much less effective on the road. Both teams are well-rested. Carolina of all teams should be able to limit the "Tkachuk effect". Home ice and better defense tips the scales for me in what could be a very close Game one. Take the Hurricanes, the favorite today, to win.