An Atlantic Division showdown between the Detroit Red Wings and Florida Panthers is one of the marquee matchups on the ice Wednesday, and the Panthers are a huge home favorite in the NHL odds at Amerant Bank Arena.
Detroit takes a two-game winning streak into Wednesday’s matchup, while Florida has dropped consecutive home games to fall four points back of the Boston Bruins for first place in the division.
The Red Wings currently occupy a Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference and can leapfrog the Maple Leafs and climb into the third spot in the Atlantic with a win over the Cats.
Here are our free NHL picks for the Red Wings vs. Panthers matchup on Wednesday, January 17.
Red Wings vs Panthers odds
Red Wings vs Panthers predictions
There have definitely been peaks and valleys for the Florida Panthers this season, but they remain a 5-on-5 juggernaut and are rightfully positioned among the favorites in the Stanley Cup odds.
Florida ranks second in Corsi For percentage (56.6%) and fourth in expected goals for percentage (55.1%), and there's also positive regression ahead of its 30th-ranked 7.2 team shooting percentage.
For perspective, only the basement-dwelling Sharks and Ducks have a lower 5-on-5 team shooting percentage than the Panthers. And, Florida has also been a shut-down defense, ranking fourth in both goals against (2.07) and expected goals against (2.31) per 60.
Add the Cats sporting a fourth-ranked 84.8 penalty-kill percentage and respectable 23.1 power-play percentage (12th), and there aren’t many shortcomings in Sunrise.
It’s a different story at 5-on-5 for the Detroit Red Wings. They rank second in team shooting percentage (11.1%), which has paved the way to a third-ranked 2.97 goals per 60 despite generating the fourth-fewest expected goals (2.31) and second-fewest high-danger scoring chances (9.18) per 60. Detroit has also allowed the sixth-most goals (2.85) and 10th-most expected goals (2.69) per 60 minutes.
The Detroit special teams are also middling, with a 15th-ranked 21.4 power-play percentage and a 12th-ranked 80.6 penalty-kill percentage.
I’m anticipating the Panthers flexing their 5-on-5 muscle on Wednesday and snapping their losing streak with a regulation win.
My best bet: Panthers 3-way moneyline (-143 at PROLINE+ Ontario)
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Red Wings vs Panthers same-game parlay
Panthers 3-way moneyline
Under 6.5
I’m doubling down on the Florida defense with this same-game parlay. Detroit has benefited from favorable puck luck for most of the season, and the Panthers rank No. 1 in my defense ratings. Florida also holds a huge 5-on-5 possession edge with Detroit checking out with a 29th-ranked 45.5 CF%.
Additionally, I value the Cats in a bounceback spot, especially with Sergei Bobrovsky between the pipes. He’s rebounded from his past two losses in winning fashion while stopping 61 of 64 shots for a .953 save percentage.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Red Wings vs Panthers moneyline and Over/Under analysis
The PROLINE+ moneyline odds of -213 for the Panthers are among the best in the industry, and there has been consistent movement to the Florida side of this moneyline. DraftKings opened with the Panthers at -205 on the moneyline and the number is now -218 as of Wednesday morning. Similarly, bet365 has moved from an opening of -210 to -225.
This total is a consensus 6.5 with the Over carrying the higher vig. As a result, the PROLINE+ -125 odds for the Over are in line with other sportsbooks. I’m not convinced we’re headed for a high-scoring game, though.
As discussed, Florida is among the best defensive teams in the league, and the Red Wings have overachieved offensively at 5-on-5.
Red Wings vs Panthers betting trend to know
Florida has won nine of its past 11 games, and the Under has hit in six of its past eight games at Amerant Bank Arena. Find more NHL betting trends for Red Wings vs. Panthers.
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Red Wings vs Panthers game info
| Location: | Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise, FL |
| Date: | Wednesday, January 17, 2024 |
| Puck drop: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Bally Sports Detroit, Bally Sports Florida |
Red Wings vs Panthers latest injuries
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