Panthers Go for Bruins’ Jugular in Game 5
Cry, Bruins fans, cry. It’s over. The Florida Panthers handed the Boston Bruins a back-breaking defeat in Game 4 to go up 3-1 in their Eastern Conference playoffs series. Cheap shots and fluke goals aside, Florida outdueled Boston and deserves to be in this spot. Hence, Our money is on the Panthers to close the series on Tuesday. And as the NHL betting odds indicate, Florida should finish off Boston. But instead of laying that hefty line, we have a better play.
Bruins vs Panthers Game 5 Information
- Game: Bruins (52-25-16) vs Panthers (59-26-6)
- Date/Time: May 14, 7 p.m. ET
- Location: Amerant Arena, Sunrise, FL
- Bruins vs Panthers Live Stream: NHL.com
Florida is -220 to win against Boston for Game 5. This is the widest it’s been in this series as Boston is also +180 on the moneyline. The total remains at 5½ even if three of the four games had six or more total goals scored. As such, the play we’re touting is on the over at -105. Six of the Panthers’ eight elimination games have gone over their totals, including all three in last year’s series with Boston.
Bruins vs Panthers Odds and Spreads
Bruins vs Panthers Betting Trends
- The total has gone over in five of Boston’s last six games in Florida
- The total has gone over in 13 of Florida’s last 19 games against Boston
- The total has gone over in four of the Panthers’ last five conference games
- The Bruins are 5-6 as an underdog when playing against conference opponents
- The Panthers are 7-2 in their last nine games as a favorite
- Panthers D Brandon Montour has seven points (2G, 5A) in his last five home playoff games facing Boston
Bruins vs Panthers Pick: Over 5½ Goals (-105)
We’re picking Florida to finish off Boston. Instead of the moneyline, a puck line wager at -1½ (+125) has better value. There is a good chance Florida goes up on Boston in the third. The Bruins pull their goalie early, which gives the Panthers plenty of time to score an empty-netter. This also means plenty of goals, at least more than five.
At least one team has scored six goals in three of the four games of the series. The only exception was Game 4, which still saw 59 shots (41 from Florida). On top of that, the goaltenders have not been so hot. Boston’s Jeremy Swayman bounced back with a strong outing in Game 4, but Sergei Bobrovsky has a .885 save percentage.
Also, factor in how much these teams hate each other. We’re seeing some brutal hits and cheap shots. Sam Bennett took out Bruins captain Brad Marchand and everyone in Boston, from the fans to prominent media personalities, wants blood. This may not be about winning for Boston anymore. It’s about exacting vengeance.
Win, lose or draw the Bruins have to sideline a few Panthers tonight. I don’t care if it’s clean or dirty. Preferably dirty. You can’t let 1 team just cheap shot you to death and do nothing. Time to fight back. #becauseitsthecup https://t.co/UsAjeglGbg
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) May 12, 2024
Coach Jim Montgomery will preach discipline to his team. That has always been Boston’s style. But given Florida’s speed and aggression, it’s a losing strategy. The Bruins will go out on their shield and fight fire with fire. This will result in the total going over 5½ goals.
Game Prop Pick: Player Points – Brandon Montour Over 0.5 (+112)
Brandon Montour has been Florida’s best defenseman against the Bruins. He’s lit Boston up in several games. And more importantly, Paul Maurice is showcasing him on special teams. Of his two goals, one came on the power play and one on the penalty kill). The sportsbook has his total points listed at underdog odds. We’ll gladly take it.
Bruins vs Panthers Game Prediction
Questions Of The Day
Which player in Boston-Florida will lead the game in shots?
Bruins forward David Pastrnak is a good choice to lead the game in shots on goal (SOG). He’s heavily expected to go over 3½ SOG at -140.
Will the Bruins overcome a 3-1 series deficit?
The Bruins are 12-1 (+1200) to overcome the deficit and win the series. It’s not impossible but it’s highly improbable.