[gambcom-standard rankid=”4141″ ]
The Florida Panthers (1-0-0) and Ottawa Senators (0-0-0) meet Thursday. Puck drop from Canadian Tire Centre is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Panthers vs. Senators odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
Season series: First meeting; Panthers won 4-0 last season
The Panthers opened their season with a 6-4 win against the Boston Bruins Tuesday as -161 home favorites. C Sam Bennett had 2 goals while C Sam Reinhart and C Evan Rodrigues each had a goal and assist.
Ottawa opens its season Thursday. Last season, it finished 7th in the Atlantic Division with a 37-41-4 record (78 points) and missed the playoffs. It finished 26th in the league with 281 goals allowed, something it will focus on improving to vie for a playoff berth this season.
Stream the NHL all season on ESPN+, with your team’s out-of-market games, exclusive games, originals and more. Get ESPN+ now!
Panthers at Senators odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NHL odds. Lines last updated at 11:40 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Panthers -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | Senators +115 (bet $100 to win $115)
- Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Panthers -1.5 (+180) | Senators +1.5 (-225)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)
[gambcom-standard rankid=”4132″ ]
Panthers at Senators projected goalies
Sergei Bobrovsky (1-0-0, 4.00 GAA, .857 SV%) vs. Linus Ullmark (22-10-7, 2.57 GAA, .915 SV%, 2 SO in 2023-24)
Bobrovsky struggled in his season debut Tuesday, allowing 4 goals on 28 shots. He is entering his 15th season and was a large part of the Panthers Stanley Cup victory last season. He should be expected to turn things around quickly to continue the Panthers’ success.
Ullmark is the expected goaltender for Ottawa for its season opener. He is entering his 10th season, including his first with the Senators.
Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
Panthers at Senators picks and predictions
Prediction
Panthers 3, Senators 2
Moneyline
BET PANTHERS (-115).
While the Panthers seemingly struggled on defense in their opener, allowing 4 goals, their offense looked like one of the best in the league. With 6 goals, many coming in rapid succession, Florida displayed its championship-caliber team. While the road environment will present challenges, expect Florida to continue where it left off with another victory.
Puck line/Against the spread
PASS.
Even with the Panthers’ proven attack, Ullmark is more than capable of keeping this game within reach.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 6.5 (-115).
Between Bobrovsky and Ullmark, this matchup will be lower scoring. Dating back to last season, the Senators have been held to 3 or fewer goals in 8 of their last 10 games while allowing 2 or fewer in 4 of their last 6. With a slightly higher total than usual, the Under is the best bet.
[gambcom-standard rankid=”6305″ ]
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
Follow @seth_orlemann on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1369]