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The Florida Panthers are relishing the underdog role as they continue to defy the betting odds </p> <p> Published May 18, 2023 • 4 minute read </p> <a href="#comments-area"> </a> <img alt="May 12, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) prepares for a faceoff against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second period in game five of the second round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena." height="750" src="https://smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital/torontosun/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/USATSI_20656464_168395300_lowres-e1684283069649.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=288&h=216&sig=TiB32GAILF8Zt5vDgiwaOQ" width="1000" />May 12, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) prepares for a faceoff against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second period in game five of the second round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Photo by Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports <h2>Article content</h2> <p><i>This article was created by </i><a href="https://news.sportsinteraction.com/about" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><i>Sports Interaction</i></a><i>. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission through our links on this page.</i></p> <h2>Advertisement 2</h2> <p> This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. </p> <img alt="Toronto Sun" height="37" src="https://dcs-static.gprod.postmedia.digital/13.6.3/websites/images/identity/logo-identity-tsun.svg" width="280" /> <h2>THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY</h2> <p>Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.</p> <ul><li>Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.</li> <li>Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.</li> <li>Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.</li> <li>Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.</li> <li>Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.</li> </ul> <h2>SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES</h2> <p>Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.</p> <ul><li>Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.</li> <li>Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.</li> <li>Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.</li> <li>Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.</li> <li>Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.</li> </ul> <h2>REGISTER TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES</h2> <p>Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.</p> <ul><li>Access articles from across Canada with one account.</li> <li>Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.</li> <li>Enjoy additional articles per month.</li> <li>Get email updates from your favourite authors.</li> </ul> <p>Don't have an account? <a href="https://torontosun.com/register/"> Create Account</a> </p> <![CDATA[ <button type="button" class="button button--span button--icon-reverse button__social-login" onclick="window.location.assign('');"> Continue with <span class="button__icon button__icon--" aria-hidden="true"> ]]></button><p> or </p> <h2>Article content</h2> <p>We’re halfway through the NHL playoffs, as Carolina, Florida, Dallas and Vegas remain the lone teams left in the hunt for the Stanley Cup.</p> <img alt="opening envelope" height="60" src="https://smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital/torontosun/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/closingLines-landingPage-02282022.jpg?quality=100&strip=all" width="97" /> <p>Don Brennan’s daily hit on the world of sports betting. Whether you’re new to sports gambling or an experienced wagerer, this newsletter offers trustworthy insights into the odds game. 19+. Please gamble responsibly.</p> By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. You may unsubscribe any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of our emails or any newsletter. Postmedia Network Inc. | 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4 | 416-383-2300 <h3>Thanks for signing up!</h3> <p>A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.</p> <p>The next issue of Closing Lines will soon be in your inbox.</p> <p> We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again </p> <h2>Article content</h2> <p>With the puck set to drop for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final Thursday night in Carolina, <a href="https://media.sia.com/C.ashx?btag=a_13230b_2124c_&affid=7760&siteid=13230&adid=2124&c=30" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sports Interaction</a> is looking ahead at the betting odds and best bets for the series.</p> <h2>Article content</h2> <p>Here’s everything you need to know about betting on the <a href="https://media.sia.com/C.ashx?btag=a_13144b_2266c_&affid=7760&siteid=13144&adid=2266&c=30" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2023 NHL Eastern Conference Final</a>.</p> <h3>Eastern Conference Final</h3> <img alt="" data-src="https://smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital/torontosun/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Screenshot-2023-05-14-at-8.46.57-PM.png?quality=90&strip=all&w=288&sig=Cp9IFqhOBTUqIaiX8zCu_Q" height="142" src="https://smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital/torontosun/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Screenshot-2023-05-14-at-8.46.57-PM.png?quality=5&strip=all&w=100&sig=vmo6YcTnVhRdDHe2jHtcWg" width="1182" /> <p><a href="https://media.sia.com/C.ashx?btag=a_13144b_2266c_&affid=7760&siteid=13144&adid=2266&c=30" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Game 1, May 18: Florida at Carolina, 8:00 p.m. ET</a></p> <p>Game 2, May 20: Florida at Carolina, 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p>Game 3, May 22: Carolina at Florida, 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p>Game 4, May 24: Carolina at Florida, 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p>Game 5, May 26: Florida at Carolina, 8:00 p.m. ET <em>*if necessary</em></p> <p>Game 6, May 28: Carolina at Florida, 8:00 p.m. ET <em>*if necessary</em></p> <h2>Article content</h2> <h2>Advertisement 3</h2> <p> This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. </p> <h2>Article content</h2> <p>Game 7, May 30: Florida at Carolina, 8:00 p.m. ET <em>*if necessary</em></p> <p>Season series: Carolina won 2-1</p> <h3>Carolina Hurricanes</h3> <p>The banged up ‘Canes haven’t allowed injury issues to be an excuse through the first two rounds of the playoffs. Carolina eked out a tight six-game series win over the Islanders in the first round before dismantling the Devils in a five-game second round.</p> <p>Sebastian Aho (five goals, five assists) and Jordan Martinook (three goals, seven assists) share the team lead with 10 points each, but look for defenceman Brent Burns to be a potential X-factor in this series.</p> <p>Sitting third on Carolina with eight points (two goals, six assists), Burns has racked up a team-high 41 shots in the playoffs and averages a team-high 23:55 of ice time per game. He’s a major reason why the Hurricanes lead the NHL with a plus-82 differential in five-on-five shot attempts.</p> <h2>Advertisement 4</h2> <p> This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. </p> <h2>Article content</h2> <p>Carolina is statistically the best defensive team left in the postseason, allowing an average of just 27.8 shots-against per game for 28 total goals-against through two rounds.</p> <p>Starting goaltender Frederik Andersen is 5-0 in the playoffs, with a stellar 1.80 goals-against average and .931 save percentage. Backup Antti Raanta has also seen postseason action, although his 2.59 GAA and .906 SV make it unlikely he will play unless Andersen is hurt.</p> <p>If Andersen can stay healthy and depth players like Jesper Fast (five goals, three assists) and Jordan Staal (two goals, six assists) continue to contribute, the Hurricanes will be in a great position to win the series.</p> <p>Carolina Hurricanes best bet: <a href="https://media.sia.com/C.ashx?btag=a_13144b_2268c_&affid=7760&siteid=13144&adid=2268&c=30" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Frederik Andersen to win Conn Smythe (+912)</a></p> <h2>Advertisement 5</h2> <p> This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. </p> <h2>Article content</h2> <h3>Florida Panthers</h3> <p>Florida has fully embraced the underdog role, with a shocking seven-game upset win over the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Boston Bruins in the first round. The Cats followed that up with a five-game pounding of the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second round.</p> <p>This is Florida’s second-ever appearance in the Eastern Conference Final and first since 1996. They beat the Penguins in seven games in 1996, but ultimately went on to get swept by Colorado in the Stanley Cup Final.</p> <p>When the Panthers traded for Matthew Tkachuk last summer, it was understood he was brought in to get the team through their playoff struggles and he has delivered.</p> <p>Tkachuk leads the team with 16 points (five goals, 11 assists) in 12 games. He struggled at times in the second round, finishing without a goal in the series, but he did contribute five assists. He’s also capable of being a nasty, gritty, opponent and it would be surprising if he doesn’t regain his offensive touch against Carolina.</p> <h2>Advertisement 6</h2> <p> This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. </p> <h2>Article content</h2> <p>Look out for Carter Verhaeghe in the biggest moments as he has contributed three game-winning goals in the first two rounds. Verhaeghe, who is second on the team with 12 points (five goals, seven assists), has six game-winning goals and three overtime goals over the last two postseasons.</p> <p>Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky has been the biggest reason for Florida’s success. The two-time Vezina winner has a 7-2 record in the playoffs, posting a 2.82 GAA and .943 SV. He went 4-1 with a 1.89 GAA and .943 in the second round.</p> <p>The Panthers desperately need Bobrovsky to stay hot if they want to win this series. If Bobrovsky can shut the door and Tkachuk can put some pucks in the net, Florida’s Cinderella run might just extend to one more series.</p> <h2>Advertisement 7</h2> <p> This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. </p> <h2>Article content</h2> <p>Florida Panthers best bet: <a href="https://media.sia.com/C.ashx?btag=a_13144b_2266c_&affid=7760&siteid=13144&adid=2266&c=30" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Matthew Tkachuk scores most series goals (+375)</a></p> <p>You can visit <a href="https://media.sia.com/C.ashx?btag=a_13144b_2114c_&affid=7760&siteid=13144&adid=2114&c=30" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sports Interaction</a> for complete <a href="https://media.sia.com/C.ashx?btag=a_13144b_2266c_&affid=7760&siteid=13144&adid=2266&c=30" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NHL game odds</a>, <a href="https://media.sia.com/C.ashx?btag=a_13144b_2267c_&affid=7760&siteid=13144&adid=2267&c=30" target="_blank" rel="noopener">props</a> and <a href="https://media.sia.com/C.ashx?btag=a_13144b_2268c_&affid=7760&siteid=13144&adid=2268&c=30" target="_blank" rel="noopener">futures bets</a>.</p> <button type="button"></button> <ol><li> <a href="https://torontosun.com/sports-betting-essentials/sports-betting-double-chance-betting-can-improve-your-odds"> <img alt="None" data-src="https://smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital/nationalpost/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/USATSI_20628990_168395300_lowres-e1683828981330.jpg?h=96&strip=all&quality=80&sig=NbXupO-zH61OOyfxCkMXmQ" height="96" src="https://smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital/nationalpost/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/USATSI_20628990_168395300_lowres-e1683828981330.jpg?h=96&strip=all&quality=5&sig=nw_NP37VmMZBvwd44xv_YA" width="96" /><h3> Sports betting: Double chance betting can improve your odds </h3> </a> </li> <li> <a href="https://torontosun.com/sports-betting-essentials/nba-eastern-conference-finals-betting-odds-best-bets-and-schedule"> <img alt="None" data-src="https://smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital/nationalpost/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/USATSI_19547722_168395300_lowres-e1684241849447.jpg?h=96&strip=all&quality=80&sig=QMQmZrKX7YjM656Q74sa9w" height="96" src="https://smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital/nationalpost/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/USATSI_19547722_168395300_lowres-e1684241849447.jpg?h=96&strip=all&quality=5&sig=R0K9q5bDpKEzQbJKPOA9bg" width="96" /><h3> NBA Eastern Conference Finals: Betting odds, best bets and schedule </h3> </a> </li> </ol><button type="button"></button> <p><i>This article was written by </i><a href="https://news.sportsinteraction.com/about" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><i>Sports Interaction</i></a><i>. Sports Interaction’s content provides information that helps readers navigate the new landscape of sports betting in Canada. </i> </p> <p><i>Please confirm the betting laws and regulations in your jurisdiction as they vary from province to province and country to country. The site is not associated with nor is it endorsed by any professional or collegiate league, association or team.</i></p> <p><em>Information in the above article is for entertainment purposes only and is not targeted to under 19 audiences. Using this information to contravene any law is prohibited. Visit the <a href="https://www.responsiblegambling.org/for-the-public/safer-play/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Responsible Gaming Council's Safer Play</a> to keep gambling safe and fun.</em></p> <h2>Share this article in your social network</h2> <h3>Comments</h3> <p> Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion and encourage all readers to share their views on our articles. Comments may take up to an hour for moderation before appearing on the site. We ask you to keep your comments relevant and respectful. We have enabled email notifications—you will now receive an email if you receive a reply to your comment, there is an update to a comment thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our <a href="https://torontosun.com/community-guidelines/">Community Guidelines</a> for more information and details on how to adjust your <a href="https://torontosun.com/community-guidelines/#faq">email settings</a>. </p> <h4> Join the Conversation </h4> <ol></ol> <button> </button> <h2>Advertisement 1</h2> <p> This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
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