Welcome to the latest edition of NHL Predictions. Each day, our team here at Last Word on Hockey breaks down head-to-head matchups and other key elements that may influence the outcome of each game. We also have a featured game of the day, which is considered must-watch TV. This edition of NHL Predictions analyzes the Dallas Stars and the Florida Panthers as part of the NHL’s Global Series in Finland.
NHL Predictions
Dallas Stars vs. Florida Panthers
Time: 2:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: Sportsnet, NHL Network, Victory+
The Dallas Stars and the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers head to Nokia Arena in Tampere, Finland, to play two regular season games as part of the NHL’s Global Series on Friday and Saturday.
Dallas enters the game 7-2-0 on the season and fresh off back-to-back wins over the Boston Bruins and the Chicago Blackhawks. Meanwhile, Florida sits at 7-3-1 and has won four of its last five games. The Panthers lead the Atlantic Division, while the Stars trail the Winnipeg Jets by four points in the Central Division.
Both teams got a lengthy rest period going into this one, but the Stars had a longer break by two days. Will that have any effect on such a historic meeting?
Dallas Stars Story
Five of the Stars’ seven wins have come at home as they have struggled in early road games, particularly on the East Coast. Dallas is 1-2 on the road this year, allowing 9 goals in the three games. While the Stars will technically be the “home team” for Friday’s game, it is still a long way to travel and outside the confines of the American Airlines Center.
The good news for Dallas is its most recent win away from home came in its most recent away game. The Stars vanquished some past demons with a crucial win in Boston, although the Bruins aren’t exactly off to a great start. Forwards Matt Duchene and Tyler Seguin continued their early rolls in that game, and rookie Logan Stankoven netted his first goal of the season. Duchene continued his great start to the season with two goals in a win over the Chicago Blackhawks last Saturday.
The Stars will need all three to be at their best this weekend, especially against Florida goalie Sergei Bobrovsky.
Florida Panthers Story
The Panthers have worked their way through a somewhat challenging schedule at 7-3-1 and have a signature win over the New York Rangers as well as a good win against Vegas. They have won three games in a row, scoring at least three goals in each contest and 11 over the last two games.
Forward Sam Bennett has a team-high eight goals on the year, scoring at least once in each of his last five games. Fellow forward Sam Reinhart leads the Panthers with 16 points, and Finland native Anton Lundell is tied with Bennett for the second-most points on the team with 12.
Brandon Montour’s departure left a gap in the defence, but the Panthers are still a strong NHL team and will compete this season.
NHL Prediction
This is a matchup of two of the top teams in the NHL, although their scoring numbers have not been as high as anticipated. We think the Panthers have found something at that end of the ice, and we give Bobrovsky the advantage in goal as the difference maker on Day 1.
Prediction: Panthers win 4-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
Dallas forwards Jamie Benn and Matt Duchene have combined for 29 career goals against Florida, and Duchene has been on a hot streak when it comes to goals. Bet365 has Duchene to score at +325 and Benn to score at +375. Florida’s Matthew Tkachuk (+210) has only scored twice this year, but his overall track record says he’s going to snap out of it.
Main Photo Credit: Jerome Miron – USA TODAY Sports
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