Predators vs Panthers Odds: NHL Preview, Prediction

Predators vs Panthers Odds: NHL Preview, Prediction article feature image
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(Photo by Christopher Mast/NHLI via Getty Images) Pictured: Filip Forsberg

Predators vs. Panthers Odds

Thursday, March 21
7:30 p.m. ET
ESPN+
Predators Odds+152
Panthers Odds-182
Over / Under
6
-120 / -101
Odds via bet365. Get up-to-the-minute NHL odds here.

Here's everything you need to know about the Nashville Predators vs. Florida Panthers on Thursday, March 21 – our expert NHL prediction and pick.

The Predators are red hot and don’t seem to be slowing down as they’re coming off a dominant 8-2 home victory over the Sharks. Nashville also continues to pull away from the pack in the playoff race and boasts an eight-point cushion.

Florida has found itself in uncharted territory after losing two in a row. Luckily, the Panthers are fresh off a four-day break. They’ve been dominant all season and hold the second-best record in the NHL, so let's dig into the Predators vs. Panthers odds and make a NHL prediction.


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Nashville Predators

With Nashville, the focus always lies on Filip Forsberg and Roman Josi. Forsberg, the dynamic forward, is on a tear with goals in three consecutive games. He also has seven points in his past four games. Josi is similarly dominating, with eight points in his past four games. Along with them, forwards Gustav Nyquist and Tommy Novak continue to chip in on a consistent basis.

The Predators’ 5-on-5 dominance is nothing new. In March, they boast the highest-rated offense with a 62.55 xGF% and are third defensively with a 2.27 xGA/60.

Similarly, that dominance has translated to special teams. In the past 10 games, Nashville has had the second-best power play at 31% and a penalty kill at a solid 81%.

From the start of the season, Juuse Saros has improved drastically. In his past 10 starts, Saros has played astounding with a .927 SV%.


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Florida Panthers

The depth this roster has is unmatched. Sam Reinhart is the league’s second-leading goal scorer (48) and Matthew Tkachuk has five points in his past four games. What’s a stunner though, is that Carter Verhaeghe is goalless in his past 13 games, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him get off the snide soon.

Due to Florida’s struggles, it shouldn’t be surprising that its 5-on-5 numbers are lacking. The Panthers are playing to a 15th-best 52.02 xGF%, and a 22nd-ranked 3.25 xGA/60.

Florida’s special teams are nearly identical to the Predators’. In this 10-game stretch, the Panthers have scored at a 30.6% clip. Their penalty kill is at 81%.

Aside from the debacle against Tampa, Sergei Bobrovsky has played well. The Tampa game was an outlier, but in the 10 games prior, he was a brick wall with a .935 SV%. For the season, he's posted a 16.8 GSAx.


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Predators vs. Panthers

Betting Pick & Prediction

I’m not too worried about Florida as it’s a very dynamic team with a strong structure in place. As a result, I don't think these struggles will linger. However, the Panthers are playing a team that is dominant on the road (21-10-3) and seemingly unstoppable at 5-on-5 play.

FanDuel favors Florida and I definitely see why. However, I’m going a different route and am backing the Predators as they're priced at plus money and are dominant on the road. I think that's worth taking a chance.

Pick: Nashville Predators Moneyline (+146)

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About the Author
Greg is a native of Long Island, NY and a Hofstra Alum. He's a writer for Action Network who focuses mainly on the NHL. When he's not outside with his dog, Kiki, you can find him yelling at the TV if his New York Islanders aren't getting the job done.

Follow Greg Liodice @Gregasus14 on Twitter/X.

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