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The Florida Panthers (42-24-3) visit the Washington Capitals (46-15-8) Saturday with puck drop from Capital One Arena set for 5 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Panthers vs. Capitals odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
Season series: Capitals lead 2-0 with 4-1 victory in Sunrise, Florida, Nov. 25 and 6-3 win at home Feb. 4
The Panthers broke a scoreless tie just 29 seconds into overtime, as C Aleksander Barkov buried a power-play goal to lift Florida past the Columbus Blue Jackets 1-0 Thursday. It marked his 19th goal of the season, securing the win as -171 road favorites. The Under (6) hit with ease, while G Sergei Bobrovsky posted his fifth shutout of the year.
The Capitals kept rolling Thursday, edging out the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2 for their eighth win in 9 games. They cashed as -226 home favorites, while the Under (5.5) also hit. RW Brandon Duhaime made an impact with a goal, a blocked shot, and 4 hits to help secure the victory.
Capitals LW Alex Ovechkin scored his 888th career goal Thursday to move just 7 away from tying Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record. Ovechkin scored a goal in his most recent game against the Panthers, which puts him at 45 goals in 73 games played against Florida. He is +140 to be an anytime goalscorer Saturday at BetMGM Sportsbook.
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Panthers at Capitals odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:11 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Panthers -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Capitals -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
- Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Panthers +1.5 (-285) | Capitals -1.5 (+210)
- Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)
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Panthers at Capitals projected goalies
Sergei Bobrovsky (29-15-2, 2.45 GAA, .908 SV%, 5 SO) vs. Logan Thompson (30-4-5, 2.29 GAA, .917 SV%, 2 SO)
Bobrovsky blanked the Blue Jackets Thursday, stopping all 25 shots for his third shutout in March. He’s been on fire lately, posting a 5-2 record with a 1.30 GAA and .943 SV% over his last 7 starts.
Thompson picked up a win Tuesday against the Detroit Red Wings, stopping 24 of 25 shots. He’s been solid in March, posting a 5-1 record with a 2.31 GAA and .905 SV%.
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Panthers at Capitals picks and predictions
Prediction
Capitals 3, Panthers 2
Moneyline
BET CAPITALS (-110).
The Capitals have dominated the season series, outscoring the Panthers 10-4 in 2 meetings. Thompson was solid in both starts, stopping 50 of 54 shots, while Bobrovsky allowed 4 goals on 24 shots in their last matchup. Washington has won 8 of its last 9 games, including 5 straight at home. With momentum on their side, the Capitals are in a strong position to keep rolling.
Puck line/Against the spread
PASS.
The Capitals have covered the puck line in both meetings, but I’ll play it safe on the moneyline. If you want the better odds, I have no problem taking Washington on the puck line.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 5.5 (+100).
Two elite goalies go head-to-head Saturday, both playing well in March. Florida has hit the Under in 8 of its last 10 games, while Washington is 3-0-1 to the Under in its last 4. Their last meeting finished with just 5 total goals.
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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
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