The Boston Bruins scored five unanswered goals to pull off the road upset over the Florida Panthers in Game 1, and Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman stole the headlines with a 38-save gem.
With Florida once again a sizable favorite in tonight's Game 2, my Bruins vs. Panthers predictions wonder if the Cats capitalize on their opportunities or if Swayman stands tall again to give Boston a commanding 2-0 series lead.
Here are our free NHL picks for Game 2 on Wednesday, May 8.
Bruins vs Panthers prediction
My best bet
Jeremy Swayman Over 30.5 saves (-125 at Pinnacle)
My analysis
Boston Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman has been the story for the Spoked Bs with two goals or fewer allowed in each of his six postseason starts for a playoff-best .955 save percentage, 1.42 GAA, and 1.53 goals saved above average per 60 minutes. He turned away nine high-danger shots in Game 1, and the Florida Panthers only scored once despite generating 3.4 expected goals.
The Bruins showed incredible pushback to win the opener and started on time by winning the 5-on-5 possession battle and generating eight high-danger scoring chances in the first period. It was a completely different story from there on, though. Florida’s 30 shots and 64 attempts exactly doubled Boston’s totals, and the Panthers had 14 HDCF while holding the Bruins to three.
The No. 1 question is will the Swayman show play on or will the Panthers pounce on their scoring opportunities?
Statistically, Swayman is scorching along an unsustainable stretch, but there’s still room for negative regression while ALSO having an excellent showing. Florida both drives possession and puts pucks on the net, so I anticipate the Boston tendy will see all kinds of rubber again, especially considering the nightmare scenario looming if Florida falls to 0-2 heading to Boston for Game 3.
Plus, the Bruins allowed the third-most shots per game (30.5) and attempts per 60 minutes (61.1) among playoff teams during the regular season, and they’ve allowed respective 31.8 and 67.1 marks across eight playoff games. On the flip side, Florida has the third-most shots per game (33.2) and attempts per 60 (67.1) during the postseason. I expect the Panthers to push the play throughout Game 2 exactly how they did across the final two periods of the series opener.
Bruins vs Panthers same-game parlay (SGP)
Jeremy Swayman Over 30.5 saves
Sam Reinhart Over 3.5 shots on goal
Hampus Lindholm Over 1.5 blocked shots
There has been a consistent uptick in shots and attempts from Panthers winger Sam Reinhart as he’s asserted himself as more of a shoot-first scorer this season. He’s registered four or more shots in nine of his past 10 games dating back to the regular season and has paced the Cats in shots (29) and attempts (45) during the postseason.
Bruins defenseman Hampus Lindholm blocked six shots in the series opener, and his defensive role positions him for more blocks in Game 2, including averaging 2:53 of shorthanded ice time per game in the playoffs. Additionally, Lindholm has 39.67 defensive zone starts per 60 with a 41.6 CF% at 5-on-5 on the road in the postseason compared to 28.79 D-zone starts per 60 and a 46.5 CF% at TD Garden.
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 (-185) | Florida -1.5 (+155)
- Moneyline: Boston +140 | Florida -165
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-110) | Under 5.5 (-110)
Bruins vs Panthers moneyline and Over/Under analysis
- While there hasn’t been significant movement to this moneyline, it is interesting that the numbers have moved in opposite directions at Pinnacle and bet365, which reinforces the advantage of being able to shop for the best number.
- Pinnacle opened with Florida -167 and is hanging a -160 price as of Wednesday morning, while bet365 has moved from Panthers -165 to -180.
- The total is a consensus 5.5 with the higher vig attached to the Under.
- FanDuel moved the Over from an opening +104 to -105, while bet365 moved the Under from -110 to -120.
Play at Pinnacle: Offering 25 + years of betting experience
Make your Stanley Cup Playoffs wagers at Pinnacle, which offers Canadians unbeatable value with the most competitive odds in the industry and high limits — come find out why Pinnacle is home to better odds and better payouts!
Bruins vs Panthers trend
Boston has allowed an average of 34.3 shots to Florida across their past three playoff games. Find more NHL betting trends for Bruins vs. Panthers.
Bruins vs Panthers game info
| Location: | Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise, FL |
| Date: | Wednesday, 5-8-2024 |
| Puck drop: | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ESPN |
Bruins vs Panthers latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Covers may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or betting site.
