In this article, we will formulate a Panthers vs Penguins prediction for this NHL game on Sunday, March 23rd at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Florida Panthers Betting Preview
The Florida Panthers are 42-25-3 this year after they lost to Washington by a score of 6-3 in their last game. Florida tied the game at three in the first period, but they allowed the last three goals in the game for the loss. The Panthers outshot Washington by a total of 36-31, won 50.8% of the face-offs, and went 0-3 on the power play in the game. Florida got goals from Bennett, Gadjovich, and Jones, while Vanecek stopped 25 out of 31 shots in the game.
Prior to that loss, the Panthers defeated the Blue Jackets by a score of 1-0 but did lose to the Islanders by a score of 4-2 before that. Florida has lost three of their last four games and they are currently tied for first in the Atlantic standings with 87 points. Florida has scored 3.16 goals per game and they have allowed 2.67 goals against per game, while also averaging 24.4% on the power play and 81.4% on the penalty kill this season. Sam Reinhart has led Florida with 33 goals, 40 assists, and 187 shots on goal, while Aleksander Barkov has added 19 goals, 44 assists, and 134 shots on goal. Sergei Bobrovsky is 29-15-2 with a 2.45 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage this year.
Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Preview
The Pittsburgh Penguins are 29-32-10 this season after they defeated Columbus by a score of 6-3 in their last game. Pittsburgh had their lead cut to 3-2 in the second period, but they scored three of the last four goals in the game to seal the win. The Penguins were outshot by a total of 47-34, won 51.7% of the face-offs, and went 0-1 on the power play in the game. Pittsburgh got goals from Acciari, Crosby, Imama, Malkin, Rakell, and Rust, while Nedeljkovic stopped 44 out of 47 shots in the game.
Prior to that victory, the Penguins lost to the Islanders by a score of 4-2 but did beat the Devils by a score of 7-3 before that. Pittsburgh has won five of their last six games and they are currently second to last in the Metro standings with 68 points. Pittsburgh has scored 2.94 goals per game and they have allowed 3.55 goals against per game, while also averaging 23.8% on the power play and 77.5% on the penalty kill this season. Sidney Crosby has led Pittsburgh with 25 goals, 51 assists, and 194 shots on goal, while Rickard Rakell has added 32 goals, 29 assists, and 174 shots on goal. Tristan Jarry is 12-9-4 with a 3.13 goals against average and an .895 save percentage this year. The Penguins will meet the Lightning and Sabres after this game.
Why the Penguins will beat the Panthers
- The Penguins have won four of their last five games as underdogs.
- The Panthers have lost three of their last four games as home favorites following a road loss.
- The Panthers have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last six games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Penguins have covered the puck line in six of their last seven road games against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The Penguins have won the first period in each of their last five games.
Total Goals Facts
- Eight of the Penguins’ last nine road games have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Each of the Panthers’ last five home games against the Penguins following a road loss has gone OVER the total goals line.
- Seven of the last eight Sunday night games between two teams from the Eastern Conference have gone OVER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Penguins’ last 10 games at Amerant Bank Arena.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Panthers’ last nine Sunday games.
Florida Panthers Player Prop Facts
- Matthew Tkachuk has scored at least one goal in each of his last seven appearances with the Panthers as favorites.
- Matthew Tkachuk has recorded at least one point in each of his last eight appearances with the Panthers as favorites.
- Aaron Ekblad has recorded at least one assist in each of his last six appearances after playing less than 20 minutes in the Panthers’ last game.
Pittsburgh Penguins Player Prop Facts
- Rickard Rakell has scored at least one goal in each of the Penguins’ last four games against Atlantic Division opponents.
- Evgeni Malkin has recorded at least one point in each of his last seven appearances at Amerant Bank Arena.
- Evgeni Malkin has recorded an assist in each of his last seven road appearances against the Panthers after playing less than 20 minutes in the Penguins’ last game.
Panthers vs Penguins Prediction
These two teams come into this matchup at opposite ends of the Eastern Conference standings, but Pittsburgh is the hotter team. The Penguins have won five of their last six games, while Florida has dropped three of their last four. Pittsburgh is 11-18-5 on the road this year, while Florida is 22-10-2 at home. Florida has had some issues scoring the puck recently and they allowed six goals to Washington on Saturday, so they will be on a back-to-back here. This Florida team has not won by more than one goal in their last six games and Pittsburgh is red hot, so I will take the Penguins +1.5 here.