Panthers vs Bruins Odds, Picks, and Predictions
The Boston Bruins are coming off a dominant season that culminated with winning the Presidents' Trophy. But as we outline in our NHL betting picks and predictions, the Florida Panthers are capable of keeping both the series and Game 1 close.
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Game 1 of this Eastern Conference series is set to get underway with the Boston Bruins hosting the Florida Panthers.
Florida was only one of two teams to beat Boston twice in 2022-23.
Will the Panthers knock off this season’s Presidents' Trophy winners? Or can the Bruins defend home ice? Find out in our free NHL betting picks and predictions for Panthers vs Bruins on Monday, April 17.
Panthers vs Bruins Game 1 odds
Panthers vs Bruins series odds
Panthers vs Bruins Game 1 predictions
This series will be a lot closer than the odds indicate. Everyone knows the track record for Presidents' Trophy winners, and that winning the award is almost a curse during the playoffs.
While teams may be too exhausted after the regular season, blaming that is likely more correlation rather than causation. But in this instance, the Florida Panthers should be able to keep things close.
Firstly, Florida enters this series in good form after clinching the last wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference and winning six of the team's last eight games. While the Boston Bruins have been playing well since the first puck dropped in October, the Panthers appear to be peaking at the right time.
The most significant concern with the Bruins is they're primed to regress. They ranked second in the league in goals for per 60 minutes at 5-on-5 during the second half of the season, and first in goals against per 60 minutes (GA/60). But the squad sat just 13th and 12th in those two categories overall, respectively.
Meanwhile, Florida’s offense continues to present a problem for everyone, as it ranks first in the league in xGF/60 at 5-on-5. Two worries for the Panthers are defending their own zone and goaltending, which may ultimately lead to the club's first-round downfall.
But the Panthers' offense can keep them in any game, and we're catching a great price on +1.5 against a team due to regress.
My best bet: Panthers +1.5 (-136 at FanDuel)
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Panthers vs Bruins Game 1 moneyline analysis
My greatest concern while backing the Panthers in this contest is goaltending.
Slated to take the crease for Boston is Linus Ullmark, who will hoist the Vezina Trophy this year. Ullmark went a ridiculous 40-6-1 with a .938 save percentage and 1.89 goals-against average over 49 appearances in 2022-23.
Across the ice, I expect Florida to ride the hot hand and go with goaltender Alex Lyon. He isn't on Ullmark’s level, but Lyon caught fire during the Panthers’ final push. Lyon went 6-1-1 while dominating with a .943 SV% and 1.87 GAA over each of Florida's last eight games as the starter.
Panthers vs Bruins Game 1 Over/Under analysis
I'm leaning toward the Under, but I don't feel confident.
The Panthers boast arguably the NHL's best offense, ranking first in xGF/60 at 5-on-5. However, if any goaltender can slow this offensive juggernaut, it's Ullmark.
Meanwhile, it's uncertain how long Lyon can keep his hot streak going. Not only is he on fire, but his underlying metrics suggest regression is unlikely. If he qualified, Lyon would rank fourth among starting goaltenders in goals saved above expected per 60 minutes (GSAx/60) at 5-on-5.
Panthers vs Bruins betting trend to know
The Panthers suffered a two-plus goal loss just twice over their last 10 games of the regular season. Find more NHL betting trends for Panthers vs Bruins.
