Welcome back to another day of NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head and other factors that may play in. We also have a featured game of the day, which is considered must-watch TV. Today’s featured game is the Florida Panthers vs Boston Bruins. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs roll on.
NHL Predictions
Boston Bruins vs Florida Panthers
Season Head-to-Head: Bruins 4-0 Panthers
TV: ESPN, Sportsnet, CBC
Our only game on NHL predictions has the Bruins trying to get the momentum going against the Panthers. Boston won all four meeting this season with Florida, but the playoffs are a different animal. The Bruins had the same dominance over the Toronto Maple Leafs. However, Boston needed seven games and overtime to down Toronto. Florida will be well-rested after dispatching the Tampa Bay Lightning in five games in the opening-round. However, the old argument of “Rest vs Rust” is going to creep its ugly head again. Let’s look at the keys of tonight’s game and see what’s in store for Game 1.
The Bruins Story
Boston is likely to go with Jeremy Swayman in goal once again. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. David Pastrnak answered the call of head coach Jim Montgomery and got the series-clinching goal against the Leafs in overtime. Boston’s leading scorer in the regular season had been pretty quiet until that point. Getting Pastrnak going will be crucial for the Bruins. Brad Marchand led the way in points with three goals and five assists Pastrnak and Jake DeBrusk each had five points. Boston did beat Florida four times, but no game was a blowout. Three of the matchups were decided by one goal.
The Panthers Story
Florida comes in after dispatching its Sunshine State rival and has been off for a week. Sergei Bobrovsky gets the call in between the pipes once again for the Panthers. There are some injury concerns as Sam Bennett is slated to miss the opening game of the series. Bennett has been a key piece for the team this season and Panthers hope he’s back sooner rather than later. Florida put up 20 goals in the opening round against Tampa Bay and this team can score. Both Carter Verhaeghe and Matthew Tkachuk each had nine points in the first round while Selke Trophy favourite Aleksander Barkov totaled five points.
Prediction
Boston is coming off an emotional series victory over a dreaded rival. There could be two ways that the Bruins come out for this series. They could be spent from a taxing series that nearly saw them blow a 3-1 series lead for the second season in a row. However, this team could be ready to go and feed off the adrenaline of winning a tough series.
Florida may come out recharged and relaxed after dumping a heated rival in Tampa. However, the opposite effect could happen and the team could come out flat. The Bennett injury could also be a problem in handling the Bruins. This could loom large in the series-opener.
Prediction: Bruins win 3-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
With only one game, let’s look into some props for the night. Go with Marchand getting +0.5 assists tonight to continue his strong post-season. As for Florida, take Verhaeghe getting the over on +0.5 goals. He’s been one of the most consistent playoff scorers in the last couple of post-seasons.
Main photo by: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports
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