The Florida Panthers were looking like a championship-caliber team throughout all of last season … and then they flopped in the playoffs.
After suffering a first-round scare to the Washington Capitals, they were quickly ushered out of the playoffs in four games by the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Panthers shook things up in the offseason with a couple of big moves where they picked up Sam Reinhart and Matthew Tkachuk but lost Jonathan Huberdeau.
Those who bet online know that this team should be a force in the regular season, but will they make a serious run in the playoffs?
Let’s check the latest NHL picks, stats, injury reports, and NHL predictions. We’ve plenty of NHL expert picks for you to consider.
Florida Panthers Odds
- To win Stanley Cup +1100
- To win Eastern Conference +550
- To win Atlantic Division +250
- To make playoffs Yes -850 / No +550
Player to Watch
The Panthers stunned a lot of people when they traded away Jonathan Huberdeau and Mackenzie Weegar for Calgary for Matthew Tkachuk.
Tkachuk racked up 104 points compared to Huberdeau with 115, but there could be an improvement. Tkachuk has been often described as a hard-nosed player with an edgy style of play.
That’s something that the Panthers might be in dire need of right about now. He’s going to be immediately counted on to produce big numbers and there’s potential to make that happen.
Tkachuk has chemistry with both Ryan Lomberg and Sam Bennett already as they each played for the Flames in the past.
Tkachuk is the best player in the trade, but the loss of Weegar weakens the Panthers’ blue line, which was already a question mark. Tkachuk has to elevate the offense that much more now.
His performance will be something everyone in the sportsbook and press box is keeping a close eye on this season.
- Player to Watch: LW Matthew Tkachuk
Breakout Player
Florida is one of those teams with a lot of experience spread throughout its roster. This could set up Anton Levtchi to have a phenomenal season if given the opportunity.
Levtchi just had 61 points in Liiga, leading the league in 55 games played for Tappara. For those that aren’t aware, Liiga is the top hockey league in Finland.
With the Panthers losing out on a variety of offensive talent in the offseason, they could be left in need of somebody new to get some additional ice time.
A lot of that ice time depends on whether or not he has a good camp or not, but he could be in line to do something great soon.
- Breakout Watch: Anton Levtchi
Florida Panthers Outlook
The playoff collapse last year was unfortunate, to say the least. It came on the heels of finishing with the Presidents’ Trophy, and those who track the NHL betting odds know that this franchise doesn’t get many kicks at the can.
Assuming that the defeat doesn’t completely crush their morale moving into this season, expect this group to once again be near the top of the standings. This is a Stanley Cup-caliber roster and the flip from Huberdeau for Tkachuk should give them exactly what they needed: grit.
In terms of betting on the Panthers’ futures, their odds to make the playoffs and even winning the division seem reasonable. However, pass on the NHL odds to win the Stanley Cup as it’s hard to trust them in the playoffs after last season’s flop.
