We have an Atlantic Division matchup tonight between the Detroit Red Wings (22-16-5) and the Florida Panthers (27-13-3). The Red Wings are 4th in the division and the Panthers are 2nd. This is the 2nd time this year these 2 teams meet. Florida won the first game 2-0 back in November.
Florida is coming into this game on a 2-game skid, just coming off an OT lose to the Ducks. Nevertheless, they’re still hot, going 8-1-2 in their last 10 games. They are 13-6-1 at home and 6-1-2 in divisional matchups so far this year.
The Panthers play a complete game on both sides of the ice. On offense, they rank 2nd in the league for most shots on goal per game (34.1). They struggle though with accuracy, as they rank 26th in the league for shooting percentage (9.3%).
They are led by Matthew Tkachuk, Aleksander Barkov, Carter Verhaeghe, and Sam Reinhart on offense. These guys are one dangerous group, all having 42+ points so far. Reinhart leads the way with 32 goals and 23 assists for 55 points.
On defense, they are top of the league. They rank 4th for goals allowed per game with 2.56 and 2nd with shots on goal allowed with 27. Their penalty kill ranks 4th in league, killing off 85% of their penalties.
Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky is expected to start tonight. He has a 21-10-1 record, tied for 2nd most wins by a goal this season. He has a 2.45 GAA and a .911 save percentage. Save to say he’s having himself a year so far.
Detroit on the other hand is still showing the league what they are made of. Their off-season additions are really showing up and GM Steve Yzerman is looking awfully smart these days.
Adding guys like Alex DeBrincat and Patrick Kane have been awesome this year. Shayne Gostisbehere and JT Compher have been huge additions as well. This kind of help is just making returning players like Dyland Larkin and Mortiz Seider that much better.
The Red Wings are just above .500 on the road with a record of 11-9-1. They’re coming in on a 2-game winning streak and are 6-3-1 in their last 10 games. Those 2 games won were against tough opponents, the Kings and the Maple Leafs.
Offense has been the Wings’ strong area. They don’t shoot much, only averaging 29.4 shots on goal per game, but they make them count. Detroit has a 12% shooting percentage, which is tied for 2nd best in the league.
Now on the other side of the ice, the Wings have struggled defensively. They’re allowing 3.35 goals and 32.5 shots on goal per game. Both ranking in the bottom of the league.
Goaltending has been a struggle for the Wings due to injuries. Alex Lyon will get the start tonight and he has been solid for the time he has played. He has a 9-4-1 record with a .258 GAA and a .922 save percentage.
Now let’s take a look at the odds and talk about some predictions.
Betting Odds
Puck Line
- Detroit Red Wings +1.5 (-130)
- Florida Panthers -1.5 (+108)
Moneyline
- Detroit Red Wings +80
- Florida Panthers -220
Totals
- Over 6.5 (-120)
- Under 6.5 (-102)
Odds courtesy of MyBookie
Game Information
- Venue: Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise, FL
- Date: Wednesday, January 17, 2024
- Puck Drop: 7pm EST
- TV: BSFL, BSDET
Detroit Red Wings vs Florida Panthers Prediction and Picks
Prediction and Pick: Game Total Over 6.5 (-120) MyBookie
With the way the Panthers have been playing, they could clear this total on their own. This is a perfect get right spot for them at home after dropping their last 2 games.
All of the Panther’s guns will be out in full force and firing the puck. If they don’t get out to an early lead, it’ll just be a matter of time before they crack Lyon. Lyon is 4-0-1 in his last 5 games and is due for regression. He allowed 14 goals over those 5 games though, which is 2.8 per game.
Since the Panthers could use this win, I think we see multiple goals out of them. We need Detroit to do their jobs and find the back of the net minimum 2 times. Even though the Panthers have great defense, I see them letting a few in to help us out.
Sit back, relax, and let the pucks fly into the back of the net!
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