The Florida Panthers (10-2-1) travel to meet the Pittsburgh Penguins (4-3-4) Thursday at PPG Paints Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Panthers vs. Penguins odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.
The Panthers didn’t suffer a loss in regulation across the first 11 games, going 10-0-1. That all changed on the current road trip as they lost 4-3 against the New York Rangers Monday and 7-3 in the second end of back-to-back games against the New Jersey Devils Tuesday.
The Penguins enter on a 1-3-2 skid across their last six games, including back-to-back losses via shootout. Pittsburgh lost a 5-4 barn burner in overtime at the Panthers Oct. 14 when the teams first met.
Panthers at Penguins odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:57 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Panthers -125 (bet $125 to win $100) | Penguins +102 (bet $100 to win $102)
- Against the spread (ATS): Panthers -1.5 (+190) | Penguins +1.5 (-270)
- Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -150 | U: +120)
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Panthers at Penguins projected goalies
Sergei Bobrovsky (6-0-0, 1.72 GAA, .948 SV%) vs. Tristan Jarry (4-2-3, 2.28 GAA, .926 SV%)
Bobrovsky was in between the pipes Oct. 14 in the first meeting with the Pens, allowing 4 goals on a season-high 47 shots faced. He has been dealing with an upper-body injury, keeping him out for the past week, but he is reportedly back to full health.
Jarry has been on the short end of two straight shootout losses, last winning in overtime Nov. 4 against the Philadelphia Flyers. Jarry has allowed 3 or fewer goals in seven of his nine outings.
Panthers at Penguins odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Penguins 4, Panthers 3
Money line
The PENGUINS (+102) are attractive as short ‘dogs in their home barn, as the Panthers have been ice-cold on the road against the Metropolitan Division. Back the home team until Florida shows it can regain its scoring magic. Plus, the Panthers are a dismal 7-19 in the past 26 trips to the Steel City.
Against the spread
The Penguins +1.5 (-270) are just too expensive on the puck line, costing you more than two and a half times your potential return for the insurance. If you like the Pens, just play them straight up.
PASS.
Over/Under
The OVER 5.5 (-150) is a little on the pricey side, but it’s the way to go. These teams combined for 9 total goals in the first meeting last month.
Florida has cashed the Over in four straight games, while also going 4-0 in its last four as a favorite. The Pens have also hit the Over in four straight as an underdog.
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