It's no secret that NBA legend Charles Barkley is a massive hockey fan. He often talks about the NHL and keeps a close eye on everything happening in the league. This has certainly been the case during this post-season as well.
For example, during an appearance on TNT's NHL Altcast last week, Barkley revealed that he is a massive fan of Florida Panthers star Brad Marchand. However, he also shared that he "hates" Panthers defenseman Seth Jones because his father, former NBA player Popeye Jones, used to shut him down on the court.
Now, Barkley has made a prediction for Game 5 between the Panthers and Hurricanes, and it is certainly not what Florida is hoping for. While on TNT, the 16-year NBA veteran confidently stated that the Hurricanes will defeat the Panthers in Game 5 and force a Game 6 back at Amerant Bank Arena.
"Let me tell you something. Shout out to the Hurricanes," Barkley said. "Coming back last night after being down three zip. Now we going back to Carolina, and let me tell you something. They're going back to Sunrise because the Hurricanes are going to win (Game 5)... We going back to Sunrise 3-2."
Barkley is very confident that the Hurricanes will win Game 5, but the Panthers certainly have the ability to make his prediction wrong. Before their Game 4 loss, the Panthers dominated the Hurricanes in each of the first three contests of the series. Thus, there is clear reason to believe that the Panthers can bounce back and pull off a victory in Game 5.
Nevertheless, it is going to be fascinating to see if the Panthers can make Barkley's prediction not come true and defeat the Hurricanes in Game 5 from here.
LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA
3 Panthers Who Must Shine In Game 5 vs. Hurricanes
Matthew Tkachuk, Sebastian Aho discuss physical play during Eastern Conference Final
Sam Reinhart, Niko Mikkola, A.J. Greer all expected in Panthers lineup for Game 5 in Carolina
Panthers look for third straight win in Raleigh, seeking third straight Stanley Cup Final trip
Panthers Are Still In Great Place Despite Game 4 Loss
Photo Credit: © Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images