The Pacific Division’s Vegas Golden Knights host the Atlantic Division’s Florida Panthers in a cross-country showdown in Thursday’s NHL nightcap. High-scoring contests are typically in store when these two clubs meet, as there have been seven or more total goals scored in six of the eight meetings since Vegas’ inception in 2017.
Will we see yet another high-scoring affair, or can the goaltending step up this time around? Find out in our free NHL picks and predictions for Panthers vs Golden Knights on Thursday, January 12.
Panthers vs Golden Knights best odds
Panthers vs Golden Knights picks and predictions
Betting the Over when Florida plays is off to yet another strong start this season, hitting at roughly a 58% clip through the first half of the campaign. This trend is not shocking, given the track record of the Panthers over the last few seasons and their run-and-gun style of play.
Florida ranks second in the league in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60) at 5-on-5. The return of superstar forward Aleksander Barkov has only amplified the scoring prowess of this group, with the centerman recording four goals and six assists across seven games since returning.
However, the goaltending has struggled to make life easy for this powerful offense. Slated to take the crease for the Panthers in this contest is goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, who has had a forgettable season.
Bobrovsky is 10-12-1 with a .894 SV% and 3.29 GAA through 25 appearances between the pipes. Based on his metrics, brighter days are unlikely for the veteran netminder, who ranks just 24th among starting goaltenders in goals saved above expected per 60 minutes (GSAx/60) at 5-on-5. This poor play is likely to continue against the Golden Knights, a team that has thrived against Bobrovsky.
Through four career starts against Vegas, he is 2-2 with a .880 SV% and 3.69 GAA. Across the ice, rookie goaltender Logan Thompson is projected to start in net for the Knights.
While Thompson has been strong this season, and is even making his way into the Calder Trophy conversation, regression is likely for the inconsistent goaltender. Thompson ranks 20th among starting goaltenders in GSAx/60 at 5-on-5.
In front of the rookie netminder is an injury-riddled blue line, with defensemen Shea Theodore, Zach Whitecloud, and Daniil Miromanov all expected to miss this game. However, goal support should not be an issue, as the Knights rank seventh in the league in xGF/60 at 5-on-5.
With these two powerhouse offenses, seven goals should not be too difficult to come by once again.
My best bet: Over 6.5 (-115 at bet365)
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Panthers vs Golden Knights moneyline analysis
I made this game as a pick ‘em, so I think there is some value to be had in taking the Panthers at plus-money. They currently hover between +105 and +115, depending on the shop.
With that in mind, I am just more comfortable in backing a high-scoring game in what I consider to be a coin flip. In the long run, I believe that Vegas will be the better team and have a more successful season.
However, the injuries at the blue line are a short-term concern, especially with a rookie goaltender in net. Throwing together that recipe against Florida’s offense makes them a solid value play at plus-money.
Panthers vs Golden Knights Over/Under analysis
The main concern in taking the Over in this contest is that both defenses are strong. However, the injuries to Vegas’ blue line makes me more wary of them, and Florida’s blue line is still a concern.
The Panthers rank 12th in the league in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60) at 5-on-5. While Florida boasts plenty of talented defensemen, the two-way play of the forward group has also helped suppress high-danger scoring chances at even strength.
With that in mind, both offenses still outweigh the defenses. With Bobrovsky’s struggles this season and Thompson’s likely regression, the Over is the play to make.
Panthers vs Golden Knights betting trend to know
There have been seven or more total goals scored in six of the eight lifetime meetings between these two clubs. Find more NHL betting trends for Panthers vs Golden Knights.
Panthers vs Golden Knights game info
| Location: | T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada |
| Date: | Thursday, January 12, 2023 |
| Puck drop: | 10:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ATTSN-RM, Bally Sports-FL |
