DraftKings: Eastern Conference Final preview

With the Stanley Cup Playoffs down to four remaining teams, the Eastern Conference Final features the Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers. The Hurricanes defeated the New York Islanders in six games and the New Jersey Devils in five games to reach this point. The Panthers defeated the Boston Bruins in seven games and Toronto Maple Leafs in five games.

Which Eastern Conference team could have what it takes to hoist the Stanley Cup? Let's dive right into how this series looks based on betting odds and trends via DraftKings Sportsbook.

DraftKings Sportsbook Eastern Conference Final Preview

Related: [Western Conference Final preview]

Carolina Hurricanes

The Hurricanes have prided themselves on strong defensive play balanced with a viable offensive attack so far in the postseason. Carolina has allowed 2.55 goals per game in the playoffs, the best average among remaining teams, and its impressive penalty kill percentage from the regular season (84.4; second best in NHL) has been even better in the postseason (90.0; best in League). The Hurricanes allowed the second fewest goals (210) in the regular season, and goalie Frederik Andersen was 16-8-1 after returning from injury in the regular season and is 5-0 this postseason. The strong play on both sides of the ice is evident, but Carolina's postseason path has arguably been the easiest of the remaining teams.

Florida Panthers

The Panthers' path through two rounds has been as difficult as it gets after topping the best regular-season team in NHL history in the Bruins and one of the most talented squads in the Maple Leafs. The Presidents' Trophy drought and Toronto's playoff history may have helped Florida's cause, but its impressive offensive play cannot go unnoticed. The Panthers have averaged 3.33 goals per game against some strong defensive teams, and their power-play percentage has risen by nearly five percent (22.8 to 27.6) in the postseason so far. But Florida's penalty kill has struggled mightily (65.8 percent), primarily because of its opponents' strong offensive attacks. Although goalie Sergei Bobrovsky struggled during the regular season, he has shown glimpses of his former elite goaltending and ranks first in goals saved above expected this postseason.

Hurricanes-Panthers Series Props

Based on betting odds on DraftKings Sportsbook, this series features two strong offenses with each averaging at least 3.3 goals per game. Florida has topped two teams with elite offenses already but must do it again if Carolina's offensive attack continues to produce 3.64 goals per game. However, the current over/under totals for the series goal total is set at 33.5. Although the odds favor Carolina to win the Stanley Cup at +220, Florida has all the tools to continue its postseason success into the championship round. Underdogs have posted a 9-3 record in Game 1s so far during the playoffs, but Hurricanes are strong defensively and won't go down easy.

Note: If you're new to betting, the Hurricanes' +220 odds mean a $100 bet would profit $220 for a total payout of $320 if they win the Stanley Cup.

Carolina's top six has been impressive, generating 40 goals so far this postseason, but it isn't as talented and deep as Florida's at this point. Panthers defenseman Brandon Montour has generated nine points (six goals, three assists) so far this postseason but may not be able to hold down the fort himself in the defensive game, so the Hurricanes could have the edge in that department. Forwards Matthew Tkachuk, Carter Verhaeghe and Aleksander Barkov lead Florida's offensive attack and have been on fire through 12 postseason games with each having at least nine points. Center Sebastian Aho (five goals in 11 playoff games) from the favored Hurricanes could finish with the most goals in the series, but don't sleep on Florida's attack.

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