The Florida Panthers will look to continue their late push for a Wild Card spot when they welcome the Chicago Blackhawks to FLA Live Arena tonight.
The Panthers, who opened as the massive -400 favorite, are 4-2-0 in their last six games. Meanwhile the Blackhawks, who own the second-worst record in the NHL, have just one win through their last six contests.
Can Florida keep rolling against a lowly Chicago squad? We’ll discuss in our Panthers vs. Blackhawks NHL picks and predictions for Friday, March 10.
Blackhawks vs Panthers best odds
Blackhawks vs Panthers picks and predictions
After their Presidents’ Trophy-winning campaign last year where they finished atop the league in GPG (4.11), we usually think of the Panthers as one of the NHL’s most exciting offensive teams. That hasn’t really been the case this season, though, as Florida sits ninth in scoring (3.37 GPG) and obviously out of a playoff spot right now.
During this current hot stretch, the Panthers have actually relied on their defense and goaltending more than anything. Sergei Bobrovsky, who’s generally been inconsistent during his time in Florida, has really stepped it up since the start of February. Since February 1, Bobrovsky’s eight wins are the most among all netminders while his .932 SV% ranks fifth in the league (min. 5 GP).
Bobrovsky has helped the Panthers shut down some strong opposition, holding the Lightning, Penguins, and Golden Knights to just one goal apiece in recent starts.
After a five-game win streak through the middle of February, the Blackhawks have come crashing back down to earth — which is arguably a good thing for a franchise with its eyes on the Connor Bedard sweepstakes at the upcoming draft.
Chicago shipped off its top two offensive options in Patrick Kane and Max Domi at last week’s trade deadline, making an already weak offensive team even worse. The Blackhawks rank dead last in the NHL with 2.48 GPG while the club’s top producer is defenseman Seth Jones with 31 points — yikes.
With Bobrovsky and the Panthers shutting it down defensively and the Blackhawks short on offensive weapons, I can’t see Chicago putting many pucks into the Florida net tonight.
My best bet: Chicago team total Under 2.5 (-168 at Pinnacle)
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Blackhawks vs Panthers moneyline analysis
The Panthers opened as the huge -400 home favorite and it’s tough to argue with the books on this one given the way both teams are trending. The head-to-head data seems to back up Florida’s edge as well, with the Panthers winning five straight meetings against the Blackhawks at home and seven of the last 10 overall.
Chicago has actually gone against the spread in six of its last 11 contests, but remember five of those wins came with Kane in the lineup, who was basically scoring at will through his final few games in a Blackhawks jersey.
Without Kane’s scoring touch, it’s hard to see where Chicago is going to get its goals. It did beat the Sens 5-0 on Monday thanks to two tallies from Jones, but that’s unlikely to happen again.
The Panthers have allowed just five goals through their last four contests, with Bobrovsky manning the pipes in each of those games. Assuming he gets the nod again, Florida should comfortably shut down a Chicago team that’s short on talent.
Blackhawks vs Panthers Over/Under analysis
The Panthers have been grinding out some low-scoring wins, with the Under cashing in five straight games and four of their last five home outings.
The Under has also cashed in the last two head-to-head meetings between Florida and Chicago, and in four of their last seven matchups dating back to the 2020-21 season. These two clubs look much different right now than they have in past years, though, with both sides lacking their former offensive punch.
Even though the Panthers have been picking up wins, they haven’t had any huge offensive producers over that stretch. Eetu Luostarinen leads the team with six points over the last six games, while Matthew Tkachuk sits second with five assists.
With the total at 6.5 goals, I’m taking the Under and banking on another stout defensive display from Florida.
Blackhawks vs Panthers betting trend to know
The home team is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings. Find more NHL betting trends for Blackhawks vs Panthers.
Blackhawks vs Panthers game info
| Location: | FLA Live Arena, Sunrise, FL |
| Date: | Friday, March 10, 2023 |
| Puck drop: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Bally Florida, NBC Sports Chicago |
