Washington Capitals (22-19-7) vs. Florida Panthers (31-15-4)
February 8, 2024 7:00 pm EDT
The Line: Florida Panthers -185 / Washington Capitals +148; Over/Under: 6
(Get latest betting odds)
The Washington Capitals and Florida Panthers face off on Thursday in an NHL showdown at Amerant Bank Arena. Let’s look at the betting matchup and give a free Capitals vs Panthers prediction.
It could be a Long Couple of Months for the Capitals
The Capitals started off the second half of the season much like they ended the first half of the season, by losing. The Capitals faced off against the Montreal Canadiens in the last game and they were defeated 5-2. At the end of the first period they were down 3-0 and they weren’t able to bounce back. The Capitals are averaging 2.38 goals while their defense is giving up 3.06 goals per game. The offense is ranked 30th in the league and they need to find a way to get the offense going earlier in this game. Alex Ovechkin did score a goal in the last game, and they are going to need him to be good. The Capitals will face the Bruins after this game.
Panthers Look to Bounce Back
The Panthers in the last game faced off against the Philadelphia Flyers and they were defeated 2-1. At the end of the first period, they were up 1-0, but they failed to score a goal the rest of the game and that led to the defeat. The Panthers are averaging 3.16 goals while their defense is giving up 2.56 goals per game. The offense is ranked 14th but the defense has been the strength and is ranked 3rd.
Florida Panthers Team Facts
- The Panthers have won each of their last seven games against the Capitals.
- The Panthers have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last six games against opponents on a losing streak.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Panthers’ last eight games following a loss.
- The Panthers have lost the third period in five of their last six home games.
Washington Capitals Team Facts
- The Capitals have lost each of their last nine games as underdogs against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The Capitals have failed to cover the puck line in 17 of their last 19 night games against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The ‘Over 2.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in three of the Capitals’ last four games against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The Capitals have lost the first period in each of their last seven games against Atlantic Division opponents.
Capitals vs Panthers Betting Prediction
The Capitals offense has struggled all season and the Panthers defense has been good. The defense is giving up only 2.56 goals per game and they are going to lockdown here. The Panthers offense is also going to be better than they were in the last game. Look for the Panthers to score at least four goals and that is going to be the difference here as Florida is going to get the job done. Back the Panthers on the puck line to cash here.
