NHL: Flyers vs. Hurricanes Game 1 Picks and Odds | May 2, 2026
Written by: Nick Zanghi
Last Update: Sun May 03, 2026, 10:42 am ET
Read Time: 5 minutes
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Welcome to round two of the Stanley Cup Playoffs! We're getting kicked off with the first series settle out of the Metro Division. The Philadelphia Flyers will take on the Carolina Hurricanes in what could be a very good series. Carolina won the season series 3-1.
Carolina was 53-22-7 this season and the first seed from the Metro Division. They just finished a four-game sweep of the Ottawa Senators in the first round. The Hurricanes looked more than comfortable all series, allowing only five goals in those four games.
Forwards Logan Stankoven led the way for the Canes and came up huge. He scored one goal in every game vs. the Senators. Stankoven also had an apple and 18 shots on goal. Taylor Hall also came up huge for the team with 2 goals, 4 assists and 14 shots on goal.
Defense was top notch in the first round as well as goaltending. They were in the top five of the league for goals allowed and shots on goal allowed per game. Goalie Freddy Andersen was exceptional in round one and will look to continue that against the Flyers.
Check out the odds for this matchup and other NHL games at the best online sportsbooks.
Philadelphia will look to continue their playoff magic vs. Carolina
Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen and forward Porter Martone celebrate after scoring a goal.
To a lot of people's surprise, including myself, the Philadelphia Flyers have made it to the second round. They took care of business vs. interstate rival Pittsburgh Penguins, winning the series in six games. It was almost over right off the bat last round.
Philly came out strong winning the first game on the road 3-2. They then took the second game with ease, winning the game 3-0 and stealing both games in Pittsburgh. The Flyers then won their first game at home to take a commanding 3-0 series lead.
The Penguins got back on their feet finally and won both Games 4 and 5 to make the series 3-2. A big Game 6 was needed from the Pens to try and force a seventh game, and they put up a good effort. The Flyers ended up winning 1-0 in overtime to end the series.
In net, we're expected to see goalie Dan Vladar. He just went 4-2 in the first round with a 1.61 GAA and a .937 save percentage. Vladar also had two shutouts in those four wins. Let's check out the odds and get into the Flyers vs. Hurricanes Game 1 picks.
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Carolina Hurricanes Betting Odds and Game Information
Flyers vs. Hurricanes Betting Odds – May 2
| Team | Puck Line | Moneyline | Over/Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia Flyers | +1.5 (-135) | +175 | Over 5.5 (-120) |
| Carolina Hurricanes | -1.5 (+115) | -210 | Under 5.5 (+100) |
Odds courtesy of Lucky Rebel – Get a $1,250 deposit bonus & 50 Slot Spins when you sign up
Flyers vs. Hurricanes Game Information
- Venue: Lenovo Center, Raleigh, NC
- Date: Saturday May 2, 2026
- Puck Drop: 8 p.m. EST
- TV: ABC, Sportsnet, TVAS
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Carolina Hurricanes Picks and Prediction
Flyers forward Owen Tippett tries to control the puck from Hurricanes defenseman Charles Legault.
Flyers vs. Hurricanes Game 1 Picks and Predictions: Game Total Under 5.5 Games (+100) Get a $1,250 deposit bonus & 50 Slot Spins when you sign up with Lucky Rebel
This entire series is going to be determined by how much the Flyers can keep up with the Canes. I think we see a heavy offensive presence from Carolina and once they get a lead, they know how to keep that. That's when that smothering defense comes in.
I lean with the Canes to take the first game, but we're going with the under. Vladar has been fantastic and I think Carolina's defense supports him enough to keep the score down. Once the Hurricanes get 1 or 2 on the board, they get into that shut down mode.
For a prop, I like Vladar to get over his saves line. The Hurricanes pepper the net, averaging the second most shots per game this regular season. His line should be around 27-28 saves and Carolina should put up over 30.
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Nick Zanghi
Nick Zanghi is an avid hockey fan who loves to bet on the NHL Props. He has also found a liking for the WNBA. Born and raised on LI, NZ is a lifelong Islanders #isles fan and a new NY Liberty fan #LIGHTITUPNYL. When not watching or attending sporting events, he enjoys grilling and time with his wife and kids.
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