February 20th, 2023 NHL Betting Preview: Panthers vs Ducks Odds and Picks

Odds

2021-2022 season stats

Preview

The Florida Panthers return home after a 4 game road trip to host the Anaheim Ducks on Monday morning at the FLA Live Arena. These teams already faced each other earlier this season in Anaheim where the Panthers took the win 5-31. The Florida forward scored twice in the third period. Carter Verhaeghe scored for the third straight game, Brandon Montour had a goal and three assists, and Sam Bennett also scored for the Panthers.

Anaheim Ducks

As an NHL expert, I have to say that the Anaheim Ducks have had a tough season so far, ranking as one of the worst teams in the league. They have a record of 17-33-6 and are currently on a four-game losing streak, with an average of 6.5 goals allowed per game in those matches. Their recent loss against the LA Kings on Friday night was particularly rough, as they lost 6-3, were outshot 41-27, and dominated by an expected goal rate of 5.22-2.74.

Looking at their season overall, the Ducks have struggled on both ends of the ice. Offensively, they have scored the second-fewest goals in the NHL, averaging only 2.43 goals per game on 29.5 shots per game. They have generated the second-fewest expected goals per 60 minutes with 2.6 and have the fewest high-danger shots in the league. Anaheim's power play has also been a struggle, with a success rate of just 16.3%, ranking as the second-worst in the league. However, they do have some young stars leading their offense, such as Trevor Zegras with 47 points and 19 goals, and Troy Terry with 29 assists.

On the defensive side, the Ducks have been even worse, allowing the most goals in the NHL, with an average of 4.1 goals per game on an average of 39.2 shots allowed per game, which is the highest in the league. They have also given up the second-most expected goals per 60 minutes with 3.85 and the second-most high-danger shots. Additionally, their penalty kill is ranked as the fourth-worst in the NHL, with a 73% success rate.

Looking at the goaltending situation, John Gibson is projected to start in goal for the Ducks. However, he has struggled this season with a record of 10-23-5, a 4.08 goals-against average, a .897 save percentage, and only one shutout to his name. Gibson was even seen attempting to get into a goalie fight during Friday's game, which may indicate frustration on his part with the team's lack of success this season.

In summary, the Anaheim Ducks have had a difficult season so far, ranking as one of the worst teams in the NHL. They have struggled on both offense and defense, with a low scoring rate and a high average of goals allowed per game. Their power play and penalty kill have both been lacking, and even their goaltending has not been able to make up for the team's deficiencies. While they do have some promising young stars, they will need to make some significant improvements in order to climb out of their current position in the league standings.

Florida Panthers

The Panthers went 2-2 in their road trip and are coming from a loss against the Predators. Nick Cousins, Matthew Tkachuk, and Sam Reinhart all contributed to the team's score. They took a 2-1 lead halfway through the first period but unfortunately allowed five consecutive goals to the opposing team before scoring one more goal each with the Preds during the final ten minutes of the game. This is the same squad that dominated the NHL last year with the best record in the league. And despite a shaky start to the current campaign, they're finding their groove as the season enters its final stretch.

With a 5-4-1 record in their last ten games, the Panthers are determined to secure their place in the postseason. As it stands, they're sitting pretty in the last Wildcard spot, but they know that one slip-up could spell disaster. The pressure is on, and they need their star players to step up and deliver.

Enter Mathew Tkachuk, the 25-year-old winger who's been on fire lately. He's racked up four points in his last five games and shows no signs of slowing down. Although he was held off the scoresheet in their last outing, Tkachuk has been a force to be reckoned with all season long. With a total of 27 goals and 48 assists, he's one of the Panthers' most lethal weapons.

But Tkachuk isn't the only one making waves. Carter Verhaeghe, the 27-year-old center, has been lighting up the ice as well. In just six games this month, he's already notched eight points - a testament to his impressive skillset. Verhaeghe is having the best year of his young career, tallying 29 goals and 22 assists so far.

On the other hand, Aleksander Barkov has been relatively quiet in recent games. The 27-year-old center has only managed to earn two points this month, which is unusual for him. However, he's battled through injuries this season and still boasts an impressive 49 points in 47 games. If he can shake off the rust and find his form, Barkov could be the x-factor that propels the Panthers to greatness.

Of course, it's not just the offense that's crucial for the Panthers' success. They also rely heavily on their netminder, Sergei Bobrovsky. The veteran goalie has been a bit inconsistent this season, but he's been on an upswing lately. With a 3.05 GAA and a .905 save %, Bobrovsky has recorded a 16-14-2 record. He'll need to be at his best if the Panthers hope to make a deep playoff run.

In terms of statistics, the Panthers are a force to be reckoned with. They're scoring an average of 3.4 goals per game, which puts them in seventh place in the league. However, they're also allowing an average of 3.4 goals against per game, which places them at 24th. If they can tighten up their defense, the Panthers could become an unstoppable force.

The Panthers are a team to watch out for. With a blend of youth and experience, skill and tenacity, they have the potential to make waves in the playoffs. As they wrap up their latest road trip, they know that the stakes are high. But with players like Tkachuk, Verhaeghe, Barkov, and Bobrovsky leading the way, they're more than ready to rise to the occasion.

BETTING TRENDS

The total has gone OVER in 14 of Anaheim's last 17 games.

Anaheim Ducks are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games.

Anaheim Ducks are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games against Florida.

The total has gone OVER in 7 of Anaheim's last 9 games on the road.

Anaheim Ducks are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Florida.

The total has gone OVER in 8 of Anaheim's last 8 games against an opponent in the Eastern Conference conference.

The total has gone OVER in 5 of Florida's last 7 games against an opponent in the Western Conference conference.

The total has gone OVER in 12 of Florida's last 14 games.

The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Florida's last 8 games against Anaheim.

The total has gone OVER in 5 of Florida's last 6 games at home.

Prediction

The Anaheim Ducks have been struggling all season, losing four games in a row while scoring no more than three goals per game. Their defense has been particularly awful, allowing over six goals per game. It's safe to say that they have not been living up to expectations this season.

On the other hand, the Florida Panthers, while not having the same success as they did last year, have been solid at home with a 15-8-3 record. They have already beaten the Ducks on the road earlier this season and have dominated them at home, winning four of the last five meetings in Florida. The Panthers are clearly the better team in this matchup, but they have also had their struggles defensively, which may lead to a higher-scoring game.

However, the Ducks do have an extra day of rest, which could work to their advantage. They may come out with more energy and motivation to get back in the win column. That being said, I still expect a high-scoring game between these two teams, especially since the last meeting ended with a total of eight goals scored.

The key for the Panthers will be to continue their dominance at home and capitalize on the Ducks' weak defense. If they can do that, they should have no problem coming out on top. As for the Ducks, they will need to step up their defensive game and try to find a way to get more pucks in the net.

Overall, while the Panthers are the clear favorites in this matchup, anything can happen in the game of hockey. The Ducks may surprise everyone and come out with a win, but I wouldn't count on it. In the end, I expect the Panthers to take the victory, potentially with a high score in their favor.

PICK: Over 7 (-110)

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