Habs and Panthers Square Off
The rebuilding Habs, who have exceeded expectations, face the Florida Panthers, who are fighting for their playoff lives. The Habs come into this matchup with an exciting young core led by captain Nick Suzuki.
The Panthers boast an impressive lineup led by top scorer Matthew Tkachuk. Despite the Habs being out of the NHL playoff picture, this game will have a playoff atmosphere, as every game is a must-win for Florida at this point in the season.
Upstart Montreal Canadiens Exceeding Expectations
According to NHL news entering this season, the Montreal Canadiens were expected to finish at the bottom of the standings. However, the Habs have exceeded expectations, surpassing several teams to finish ahead of last season’s last overall performance. The Habs’ young core has given fans plenty to look forward to in years to come.
Unfortunately for the Habs, they have been pounded recently by top-contending playoff teams. They were routed 8-4 by the Colorado Avalanche and dropped three straight 4-3 decisions, two of them in overtime.
Montreal entered as the moneyline underdogs in all games with at least +200 odds. The Canadiens have also beaten the over in four of their last five games. The three straight 4-3 scores and the 8-4 loss beat the 6.5 over/under line.
Desperate Florida Panthers Looking to Stay Alive
The Florida Panthers have had a disappointing season. Last year’s Presidents’ Trophy winner topped NHL picks at the start of the season to win the cup. Three-quarters of the season in, the Panthers are fourth in the Atlantic Division.
They trail the Tampa Bay Lighting by 11 points for third while sitting three points back of the New York Islanders for the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.
Florida has consistently entered recent games as moneyline favorites. They entered their game against the Winnipeg Jets at -135 favorites on March 11. However, the Panthers lost to the Jets 5-4 in overtime.
Similarly, they entered as heavy favorites against the Nashville Predators at -235 on March 2 but lost a tight 2-1 game. The Panthers have consistently been under total goals due mostly to their lack of scoring.
Canadiens vs Panthers Head-to-Head
The Habs and Panthers have played twic this season. The Panthers won both games by scores of 7-2 and 6-2.
As hard as the Habs have played all year, the Panthers’ balanced lineup has proven to be too much for Montreal, despite Florida’s mostly up-and-down season. NHL betting experts expect more of the same for this upcoming matchup.
Canadiens vs Panthers Game Information
- Game: Canadiens (26-35-6) vs Panthers (33-27-7)
- Location: FLA Live Arena, Sunrise, Florida
- Day/Time: Thursday, March 16, 2023, 7:p.m. ET
- Canadiens vs Panthers Live stream: NHL.TV
Canadiens vs Panthers Betting Lines
Canadiens vs Panthers Picks & Prediction
With a playoff spot on the line, the Panthers will come out looking to secure the two points in this matchup.
The NHL odds favor Florida as they enter the moneyline favorites. Bettors looking to find solid NHL lines should consider taking the Panthers over the Canadiens on the moneyline.
As for the over/under, the two previous meetings this year went over the 6.5 total goals. Fans looking to bet online can consider taking the over as the Panthers’ offense shows a balanced attack across all four lines.
Keeping the Panthers in check will be tough for the Canadiens’ young defense.
Florida is listed at -350 in our Vegas NHL lines. This means that if you wager $100 on the Rangers, you have a chance to win $29. Montreal is +290, offering a chance to win $290 on a $100 wager.
The implied probability attached to the betting lines gives the Panthers a 77.78% chance to win, with the Canadiens at 25.64%.
Canadiens vs Panthers Game Injuries
Canadiens vs Panthers Trends
Canadiens vs Panthers Edge
Canadiens vs Panthers Results
Canadiens vs Panthers Game Summary
