Check out our Hurricanes vs. Panthers Game 3 best bets from our crew of hockey experts for Monday, May 22.
The 2022-23 NHL postseason rolls on with tonight's Carolina vs. Florida game (8 p.m., TNT).
Below, check out our hockey crew's top picks, including a moneyline pick and a pair of player prop bets, for the Eastern Conference Finals game.
Carolina Hurricanes Moneyline (-105)
Nicholas Martin: There are several arguments as to why Carolina has been the better team in the opening two games of the series despite being in a two-game hole.
That makes me excited to get the Canes as a slight underdog in Game 3. Carolina leads on expected goals by 3.75 based upon MoneyPuck's model, and by 4.39 per NST's model.
Carolina has always been an analytical darling, and the games have been closer than that massive gap in expected goals suggests. Even still, I believe the Panthers' middling defensive play is eventually going to lead to some lesser results.
Since Game 1 of the Toronto series, Sergei Bobrovsky has played to a +18.45 goals saved above expected rating. Even for a guy who has won two Vezina Trophies, this kind of run is unheard of.
I expect Carolina to bring an effort similar to what we saw in Game 2 in this critical spot, and that should mean a better result.
The Pick: Carolina Hurricanes (-105 at DraftKings)
Frederik Andersen Under 28.5 Saves (-116)
Nicholas Martin: Carolina has proven to be the best defensive team in hockey over the last two seasons. Despite the losing results, that strength has shined through in the series so far.
In regulation the Canes allowed 20 shots against in Game 1, and 22 shots against in Game 2. They have allowed just 2.19 xGA/60 in the series.
I think Carolina will continue to limit the Panthers' shot totals at even strength in this matchup, and I feel confident they will control more of the play again.
This is a good way to target those ideas. I was estimating the saves total here at 26.5 or 27.5, so we have value on a play at 28.5 (-118) at FanDuel.
Pick: Frederik Andersen under 28.5 saves (-116) |
Teuvo Teravainen Over 0.5 Assists (+220)
Greg Liodice: After two games in the Eastern Conference Finals, it’s awfully clear that this series is hard-nosed, tight-checking, and dominated by superb goaltending. The Florida Panthers surprised everyone, currently holding a 2-0 stranglehold on the series against the Carolina Hurricanes, with Games 3 and 4 to be played in Sunrise.
What I’ve gathered from the Hurricanes these playoffs is that they don’t back down from a fight. They’re incredibly skilled with a ton of grit, and they're superb on the defensive end. One player whom I’m looking at to take a big step forward is Teuvo Teravainen. The Finnish forward has missed most of the playoffs after suffering an injury in the first round, which was thought to be season-ending. However, he returned in Game 1 this series and has played some solid hockey, despite being pointless.
Teravainen has placed himself in situations where there are ample opportunities for success. He’s currently playing to a 64.01 xGF% (expected goals), 54.17 SCF% (scoring chances for), and 12 high-danger chances. Those are well above-average numbers, especially for someone who’s returning from wrist surgery.
During his career, Teravainen has been an above-average playmaker. He typically averages around 45 assists per season, but this year, he struggled to create. There’s no doubt in my mind that it’s an aberration, and that he’s still the exceptional playmaker he’s always been.
At +220 for over 0.5 assists, that number stands out to me. I think with how he’s played, there’s a good chance he can notch an assist and make you some money.
Pick: Teuvo Teravainen over 0.5 assists (+220) |
