Hurricanes Insider provides insights on Carolina's lineup heading into Eastern Conference Finals
Two years after being swept by the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Final, the Carolina Hurricanes are back and hungry for payback.
That 2023 loss still stings, but this year’s Hurricanes team is deeper, healthier, and more experienced than ever before. With key veterans and emerging stars stepping up, the Canes believe they’re built to finish what they couldn’t last time.
We spoke with a team insider Ryan Henkel for perspective on what’s changed since that playoff heartbreak and who might be poised for a breakout. From potential difference-makers to smart betting picks, here’s what and who to watch as Carolina prepares for a high-stakes rematch.
All betting lines are from FanDuel Sportsbook and are subject to change. Hockey is a difficult sport to predict so please gamble responsibly.
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Andrei Svechnikov - Series Leading Goal Scorer (+800)
We asked Henkel who he believes will lead the series in goals and it was no surprise he picked the Hurricane that is just one goal behind Dallas's Mikko Rantanen for most goals in the playoffs with nine.
"I'd have to stick with Andrei Svechnikov to continue leading the way," "He has eight goals now this postseason and has also hit the crossbar twice and the post three times, he's feeling it right now."- Henkel on Svechnikov to lead series in scoring
The matchup works as Svechnikov has 17 points over his last 25 games versus Florida, including two goals in their last seven matchups. The 25-year-old Russian winger has also found success scoring in the postseason for some time now with eight goals over his last ten playoff games.
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Jordan Martinook 1+ Series Goals (-140)
The Hurricanes offence has been stellar but still some players haven't produced and it's possibly flown under the radar. Henkel gave us the line of captain Jordan Staal, Jordan Martinook and William Carrier as players he expects to finally get things going and have a bigger role in the Conference Finals.
"Their line has been possession dominant and they generate a ton of chances, eventually those have to start going in."- Henkel on Hurricanes third line
The Canes third line has played together as a unit in all ten of their playoff games so far this postseason with just one goal to show for it.
Carrier isn't the biggest goal scorer but we can look to Martinook or Staal to get one in this spot. Martinook should be due as he's gone eight straight games without goal while Staal scored in Carolina's Game 5 win over Washington.
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Sebastian Aho 2+ Series Goals (-195), 3+ Series Goals (+160)
Carolina's most notable forward has been continued making his impact felt with x points this postseason but just three goals. Aho couldn't find the back of the net during their series versus Washington and is long overdue for a couple goals, according to Henkel.
"I would say Aho is due for a big breakout," "He's getting points, but he only has three goals this postseason and none against Washington, His line has been good and I think he can find a couple this series."- Henkel on Sebastian Aho
The Finnish forward has eight goals and 15 assists for 23 points over his last 24 games versus Florida and should be able to burst through for at least a pair of goals. He's gone five straight games without a goal and should get one early in the series.