NHL Playoff Betting: Blackhawks vs. Panthers Picks, Predictions and Betting Previews

The Florida Panthers will finally get into ice action after the rest of the league played their respective opening games in the new season of the NHL. Their first assignment is against the Chicago Blackhawks, happening on Sunday at home inside the BB&T Center in Sunrise at 07:00 PM Eastern Time.

The match will be shown live on TV at Fox Sports Florida with streaming available on NHL.tv. Chicago is looking to avoid falling to an early 0-3 hole after the team dropped back-to-back games against the defending Stanley Cup champions Tampa Bay Lightning at the Amalie Arena. The Panthers, hence, will try to pounce on the Blackhawks’ early slump and begin their season in a resounding fashion.

Chicago Blackhawks vs. Florida Panthers CashBet Wagering Analysis

The sluggish start from the Blackhawks contributed to them being tagged as underdogs in the latest NHL Betting Odds with a +124 price to win. Chicago is looking to avoid falling to an early 0-3 hole after the team dropped back-to-back games against the defending Stanley Cup champions Tampa Bay Lightning at the Amalie Arena. As such, their third game in almost a week is already treated as a “must-win” situation. On the other hand, it will be a tougher road ahead for the Panthers due to the exit of some star skaters, but Florida is determined to exhibit what they are capable of as they begin a fresh year.

Blackhawks Reeling Early

Not even five days having gone by in the new NHL season start, the Chicago Blackhawks already hit the rough road. Tampa Bay wreaked havoc in their back-to-back faceoffs as the reigning champs combined for 10 goals while allowing Chicago just three. It was a forgettable opening week for the Blackhawks but coach Jeremy Colliton and the rest of the teams recognize that being frustrated early skid should be out of the equation, taking into account the shortened new season. Although they remain positive, Chicago remain at a disadvantage with the absence of captain Jonathan Toews, who is placed on long-term injured reserve due to an undisclosed illness.

Panthers Eager to Take Advantage

The Florida Panthers will finally follow suit on Sunday to play their season opener at home after 29 other teams got to taste competition on ice this week for the curtain raiser. But with the departure of some of the team’s former ace players, the Panthers are left to settle with quite a different set of weapons this year. The services of Mike Hoffman, who was the Panthers’ leading goal scorer last year with 29, will surely be missed.

The 31-year-old forward officially signed a one-year, $4 million contract with the St. Louis Blues on January 11, 2021. Evgeni Dadonovwill also parted ways with Florida after three seasons as he decided to join the Ottawa Senators last October. The matchup against the Blackhawks will be a huge test for the new Panthers core in gauging whether they can hold the forth against the rest of the league for the rest of the season.

Blackhawks vs. Panthers Head to Head Handicapping Trends

Underdog is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings. Road team is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings. Under is 12-5-2 in the last 19 meetings. The Blackhawks are 20-8-2 in the last 30 meetings. The Blackhawks are 6-2 in the last 8 meetings in Florida. Under is 9-2 in the last 11 meetings in Florida.

Chicago Blackhawks vs. Florida Panthers CashBet Free Pick

More than the physical fatigue, the mind games will certainly affect the Blackhawks on a third straight road game. The team may be optimistic of their chances despite the back-to-back setbacks handed by the defending champs, but it does not mean their confidence in-game is not compromised. The Panthers will take advantage of it. Florida may be late but they will make sure to enter the winning column first ahead of the sliding visitors.

Blackhawks vs. Panthers CashBet Best Bet: Florida Panthers