The NHL returns in full swing on Tuesday, with the Florida Panthers set to host the Boston Bruins in the marquee matchup of the night.
Expectations are very high for both clubs this season. Our Bruins vs. Panthers predictions see them showing why in a competitive opener between the two division rivals.
Bruins vs Panthers prediction
My best bet
David Pastrnak Over 3.5 shots (-145 at bet365)
My analysis
David Pastrnak is one of the best shot-generators in the NHL — a case could be made he’s the best. He led the league in shot attempts last season while finishing second to only Nathan MacKinnon in shots on goal. He averaged 4.5 shots per game and his shot prop line was generally set at 4.5 as a result.
We’re getting a discount on Pastrnak in the season opener, with his line set at 3.5. That’s a bar Pastrnak cleared at a 67% clip last year and 70% on the road.
Although the Florida Panthers are an elite team, they’re a better matchup than meets the eye. Brandon Montour and Oliver Ekman-Larsson departed the team in free agency, taking a healthy bite out of their defensive core.
The Panthers are also quite undisciplined. They spent more time short-handed than all but the Ducks last season.
Pastrnak’s linemates — Elias Lindholm and Pavel Zacha — are also optimal for feeding him shots. Of the 402 forwards to log at least 400 minutes of ice at 5-on-5 last year, Lindholm ranked 219th in shot attempts per minute. Zacha ranked even further down the list, slotting 357th.
They will be looking to defer to Pastrnak and get the puck on his stick whenever possible.
Bruins vs Panthers same-game parlay (SGP)
David Pastrnak Over 3.5 shots
Aaron Ekblad Over 1.5 blocked shots
Under 8.5
Backing Pastrnak to go over his shot line and Aaron Ekblad to block multiple shots may seem counterintuitive, but there’s a method to the madness.
Pastrnak led the NHL in attempts last season, but just over half (53%) hit the target. Plenty of his attempts either miss the net or are blocked. Thus, a ceiling performance from Pastrnak in terms of attempts is good for generating shots and opponents picking up blocks.
Brandon Montour played 23:27 per game for Florida last season. His departure leaves a gaping hole on the right side and more should fall on Ekblad’s plate as a result — especially early while some of the newcomers get up to speed.
I like the alternate Under as a nice cherry on top. These teams often play hotly contested affairs and 12 of the last 13 regular-season meetings have featured eight goals or fewer.
We generally see some rust from offenses early in the year. I’d be pretty surprised if a big divisional game between two strong defensive sides turns into a barn burner.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Bruins vs Panthers odds
Bruins vs Panthers live odds
Bruins vs Panthers opening odds
- Puck line: Boston +1.5 | Florida -1.5
- Moneyline: Boston +138 | Florida -156
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 | Under 5.5
Bruins vs Panthers moneyline and Over/Under analysis
- Florida opened as steep favorites with a 60.9% implied win probability. The pendulum has swung a little bit in the other direction, and the Panthers now sit as -147 favorites (59.5% implied win probability).
- The Panthers closed as moneyline favorites in six straight games against the Bruins, winning four of them.
- Playoffs included, zero of the past 10 head-to-head meetings featured more than eight goals.
Bruins vs Panthers trend
David Pastrnak has 4+ shots in eight of the last 13 games against the Panthers. Find more NHL betting trends for Bruins vs. Panthers.
Bruins vs Panthers game info
| Location: | Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise, FL |
| Date: | Tuesday, 10-8-2024 |
| Puck drop: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ESPN |
Bruins vs Panthers latest injuries
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