The Boston Bruins seem to be completely unstoppable. I have not seen a team look this good, this early on in a very long time. They enter tonight on a seven-game winning streak and they have been the best team in the NHL in almost every single statistical category.
The Florida Panthers are still trying to find some consistency, heading into this game on a three-game slide.
Boston is completely rolling right now and it has been a bit ugly for Florida as of late. Find out which side I'll be backing in my NHL betting picks and predictions for Bruins vs. Panthers.
Bruins vs Panthers best odds
Bruins vs Panthers picks and predictions
The Boston Bruins have quite literally been the best team in the league on both ends of the ice, leading the league in goals for and goals against per game. Entering this game, the B’s are scoring 4.16 goals per game and only allowing 2.11 — playing close to perfect this season.
The Florida Panthers are a bit of a different story. They have lost three out of their last four games at home after being the best home-ice team in the league last season. By no means are they bad, but they aren't nearly as dominant as last year.
That being said, one of Florida's strengths is its ability to create scoring chances — which is very difficult against Boston — but the Cats are going to need to bear down a little extra to finish on their chances in this game. Boston allows the fewest chances per game, so this will be a tough test for the home team.
The Bruins have two very strong goaltenders in Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman. It hasn’t been decided who will be the starter yet, but I would take either over Spencer Knight. That isn’t a knock on Knight because he’s had a very strong start to the season, I am just that confident in Boston's netminders.
I think the B's win and I love the value.
My best bet: Bruins moneyline (-105 at BetMGM)
Looking to do some NHL betting? Here are two of the best bonuses* available:
A) New users at FanDuel can get a no-sweat first bet of up to $1,000! Sign Up Now
B) New users at DraftKings can bet $5 and get $200 in free bets! Sign Up Now
*Eligible USA locations only. Also, check out our full list of best sportsbook promotions for 2022.
Bruins vs Panthers moneyline analysis
One area that the Bruins can exploit the Panthers on is the special teams battle. Boston has the league’s third-best man advantage unit and second-best penalty kill. The Panthers' special teams are nowhere near as strong as Boston’s. Florida is entering this game converting at a 18.1% rate on the power play (26th) and successful on 75.7% of their penalty kills (22nd).
The Bruins have been second to none in the defensive end this season, especially during this seven-game winning streak, allowing a total of 10 goals during that span. Most importantly, Boston has been getting it done at 5-on-5, overperforming its 2.25 xGA/60 by allowing just 1.78 goals at even strength.
Florida is one of the better teams in the league offensively at 5-on-5, boasting a 3.15 xGF/60. In its first meeting this season against Boston, it scored three even-strength goals, but the B’s got the best of it in that game as the Panthers lost 5-3 in Boston.
Florida will be able to keep up with the Bruins, but ultimately I think Boston will be able to pull away and keep its streak going.
Bruins vs Panthers Over/Under analysis
This O/U is very difficult to read because both of these teams are strong offensively and can score goals at will, but this game will also feature a very strong goaltending battle.
Spencer Knight is the confirmed starter for the Panthers and he enters this game sporting a .918 SV% and a 2.43 GAA. Even though Knight has been strong in goal for Florida, this Bruins offense is very scary — scoring 20 goals in their last four games and putting up 30+ shots in each of those contests.
Florida has been solid offensively in its previous four-game span as well — scoring 16 goals — so it's feeling pretty confident as well.
Jeremy Swayman is the expected starter for Boston, which is a good sign for the Panthers' scorers. Swayman’s numbers haven’t been very impressive, entering this game with a .890 SV% and a 2.82 GAA. I think this game will be back and forth with offensive chances just like the last meeting between these two teams. I think there will be plenty of scoring and I like the Over.
Bruins vs Panthers betting trend to know
The Bruins are 19-8 in their last 27 meetings in Florida. Find more NHL betting trends for Bruins vs Panthers.
Bruins vs Panthers game info
Location: | FLA Live Arena, Sunrise, FL |
Date: | Wednesday, November 23, 2022 |
Puck drop: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
TV: | NESN, Bally Sports Florida |