Memories of the Florida Panthers winning the Presidents’ Trophy seem way off in the distance now. Entering as the Eastern Conference’s top seed last season, the Panthers were swept out of the second round by division rival Tampa Bay. All of the momentum built during the last regular season collapsed in spectacular fashion.
Now, people making Panthers vs. Red Wings picks will see two franchises treading water. Detroit has been searching for a way to rebuild the once powerhouse team over the past few seasons. As older veteran players hit the NHL injury report, Detroit’s star has faded over the past decade. While the Red Wings have shown flashes of promise this season, making the playoffs will be an uphill climb up the NHL standings.
Florida Panthers vs. Detroit Red Wings odds
NHL odds show that the Florida Panthers are a -143 favorite. The Red Wings are +123. The over/under has been set at 6.5 goals.
Panthers vs. Red Wings Betting Preview
The Panthers have been one of the NHL’s more disappointing stories this season. Florida Panthers odds before the season showed a team that could challenge for the Stanley Cup. The Panthers haven’t even looked like a Wild Card team. Florida’s offense is still capable of putting the puck in the net.
The Panthers score 3.3 goals per game, which ranks 10th in the league. Anyone making Panthers vs. Red Wings picks can also count on Florida getting a ton of pucks at the net. The Panthers are first in the league by getting 36.3 shots per game on goal. Defensively, things have been iffy. Florida allows its opponents to convert 74.5 percent of their power plays, which is 22nd in the league.
When it comes to Detroit Red Wings players, the Red Wings seem to have issues on both ends of the ice. The Red Wings score 3.1 goals per game and don’t usually look like the most intimidating team on the NHL schedule today.
Starting Goalies
Ville Husso
Husso has seen most of the action after second-year goaltender Alex Nedeljovick faltered and was sent to the minor leagues for conditioning. Detroit’s coach has said he believes the Red Wings will utilize a three-goalie rotation throughout the season. Making Panthers vs. Red Wings picks will show that Husso’s stats were a better alternative than Nedeljovcik, who was allowing over four goals per game.
Husso allows 2.94 goals per game and has a save percentage of .904. Detroit will need to try and find some help in front of whoever they keep in net.
Sergei Bobrovsky, Spencer Knight
The Panthers have leaned on the tandem of the veteran and the youngster throughout the season. After comparing their stats, anyone making NHL picks today will see that Knight has been slightly better. Knight has a .908 save percentage, while Bobrovsky is at .894.
NHL stats show that Knight’s goals-against average also sits at 3.00, which is better than Bobrovsky’s 3.32. Both goalies have made nearly an equal amount of starts.
Florida vs. Detroit Betting Picks
When it comes to betting on this game, Florida seems like a better choice on the Moneyline. While Detroit has shown improvement this year, the Red Wings are still liable to be tripped up most nights, even at home. While Florida may not return to the form it was last season, NHL player stats will show they can still score against Detroit.
This is a game where the total may stay under 6.5. Knight has shown to be a capable goaltender. While Florida still has the flourish to score, the Panthers aren’t the same team they were last year. People making Panthers vs. Red Wings bets need to keep in mind that Florida may not have the scoring punch people have become accustomed to over the past couple of seasons.
Out of all of the NHL picks today to make, this one feels the most like a tossup. But it could end up being one of the more entertaining NHL matchups of the day.
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