The Florida Panthers (33-10-5) travel to meet the Minnesota Wild (30-12-3) Friday at XCel Energy Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Panthers vs. Wild odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.
The Panthers pay a visit to St. Paul for a rescheduled game from Dec. 18. Florida is coming off a thrilling 3-2 overtime win at the Carolina Hurricanes Wednesday in a game that resembled a playoff contest. It was the team’s first appearance since Feb. 1.
The Wild were doubled up 6-3 at the Winnipeg Jets Wednesday, snapping a modest two-game win streak that saw the team record victories against the Detroit Red Wings and Hurricanes. The Over has connected in each of the last two outings.
Panthers at Wild odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:37 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Panthers -125 (bet $125 to win $100) | Wild +102 (bet $100 to win $102)
- Against the spread (ATS): Panthers -1.5 (+185) | Wild +1.5 (-260)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -150 | U: +120)
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Panthers at Wild projected goalies
Sergei Bobrovsky (24-4-3, 2.54 GAA, .919 SV%, 1 SO) vs. Cam Talbot (19-9-1, 2.86 GAA, .912 SV%, 1 SO)
Bobrovsky was not tested much Wednesday in Raleigh as he stopped 16 of the 18 shots he faced in the 3-2 overtime win. However, the shots he did face, especially late in the game, were at point-blank range.
Talbot was toasted for 5 goals on 30 shots in Wednesday’s 6-3 loss at Winnipeg, a house of horrors for Minnesota of late. Talbot has still won four of his last five starts and is 2-1-0 with a 2.37 GAA and .929 SV% with 1 SO in February.
Panthers at Wild odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Panthers 4, Wild 2
The PANTHERS (-125) are playing very good hockey, and they’ll use Wednesday’s playoff-like victory as a springboard into this East-West matchup.
The Wild were embarrassed on the road last time out, and the offense will have a difficult time trying to solve another top-notch goaltender after being mostly shut down by Connor Hellebuyck Wednesday.
Against the spread
The PANTHERS -1.5 (+185) are worth a small-unit wager at this price, with the potential to nearly double up. Yes, Florida has won two of its past three games in overtime, but seven of its last 10 victories have been by 2 or more goals.
Over/Under
UNDER 6.5 (+120) is a very good value at plus-money.
The Under hit in Florida’s game in Carolina, snapping a 3-0 Over run. While the Over has cashed in two in a row for Minnesota, the Under is 3-2 in its last five outings and 5-3 in its previous eight against Eastern Conference foes.
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