{"id":441201,"date":"2024-05-17T10:00:36","date_gmt":"2024-05-17T14:00:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=441201"},"modified":"2024-05-17T12:32:45","modified_gmt":"2024-05-17T16:32:45","slug":"nhl-predictions-may-17-w-florida-panthers-vs-boston-bruins","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/05\/17\/nhl-predictions-may-17-w-florida-panthers-vs-boston-bruins\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Predictions: May 17 w\/ Florida Panthers vs Boston Bruins"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome back to another day of NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head and other factors that may play in. We also have a featured game of the day, which is considered must-watch TV. Today\u2019s featured game is the<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/05\/17\/jeremy-swayman-unwavering-confidence\/\" target=\"_self\"> Boston Bruins<\/a> vs <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/05\/15\/nhl-rumours-toronto-maple-leafs-and-florida-panthers\/\" target=\"_self\">Florida Panthers.<\/a> Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs roll on.<\/p>\n<h2>NHL Predictions<\/h2>\n<h3>Florida Panthers vs Boston Bruins<\/h3>\n<h4>Series Head-to-Head: Panthers 3-2 Bruins<\/h4>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> TNT, TruTV, Sportsnet, TVAS, Sportsnet, CBC<\/p>\n<p>Our opening and featured game of NHL predictions has the Panthers trying to close out the Bruins. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/bobrose01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-05-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sergei Bobrovsky<\/a> is once again expected to get the start for the Panthers, who are looking to make their second straight Eastern Conference Final. Florida was frustrated by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/swaymje01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-05-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jeremy Swayman<\/a> in Game 5. However, the Cats have won both previous meetings in Boston this series. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/barkoal01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-05-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Aleksander Barkov<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/t\/tkachma01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-05-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Matthew Tkachuk<\/a> each have totaled 13 points for the Panthers this post-season. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/v\/verhaca01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-05-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Carter Verhaeghe<\/a> leads Florida in goals with six in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.<\/p>\n<p>Swayman should draw the start in this one, but<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thescore.com\/nhl\/events\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> always check social media<\/a> to confirm a fantasy starter. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/u\/ullmali01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-05-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Linus Ullmark<\/a> has surprisingly not made a start in this series despite some calls for it. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/marchbr03.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-05-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Brad Marchand<\/a> has missed the last two games, but could play in this do-or-die Game 6. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/debruja01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-05-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jake DeBrusk<\/a> and Marchand are tied for the team lead in points with 10 so far this post-season. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/z\/zachapa01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-05-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pavel Zacha<\/a> has four assists over the last 10 games. However, the rest of the supporting cast is going to need to step up to force a winner-take-all Game 7 in Sunrise.<\/p>\n<p>Boston getting Marchand back would be a huge lift. However, Florida books a date with the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/05\/16\/rangers-hurricanes-second-round-series-review-after-4-2-nyr-win\/\" target=\"_self\">New York Rangers<\/a> with a win.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Panthers win 4-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Dallas Stars vs Colorado Avalanche<\/h3>\n<h4>Series Head-to-Head: Stars 3-2 Avalanche<\/h4>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> TNT, TruTV, Sportsnet, SN1, TVAS<\/p>\n<p>Our final game of NHL predictions has the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/05\/15\/dallas-stars-winger-out-for-game-5\/\" target=\"_self\">Dallas Stars<\/a> trying to finish off the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/05\/15\/nhl-predictions-may-15-w-colorado-avalanche-vs-dallas-stars\/\" target=\"_self\">Colorado Avalanche<\/a> in Game 6. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/o\/oettija01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-05-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jake Oettinger<\/a> will once again get the call in between the pipes for the Stars. Dallas had been playing solid defence after the first game. However, the Colorado offence came alive to fend off elimination in Game 5. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/heiskmi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-05-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Miro Heiskanen<\/a> leads the team in points with 13 while <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/r\/roberja01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-05-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jason Robertson<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/j\/johnswy01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-05-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Wyatt Johnston<\/a> are following close behind. The team did miss <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/hintzro01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-05-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Roope Hintz<\/a> in Game 5 and hopes that he can return to the lineup.<\/p>\n<p>Colorado is expected to go with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/g\/georgal01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-05-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Alexandar Georgiev<\/a> once again in the blue paint. The Avalanche finally got some production out of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/makarca01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-05-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cale Makar<\/a>, who roared back for a pair of goals in the last game. Makar had been held without a point in the previous three games. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/mackina01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-05-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nathan MacKinnon<\/a> also came up huge in Game 5 for the Avalanche. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/drouijo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-05-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jonathan Drouin<\/a> has also returned to the lineup and it was a much-needed one. Makar and MacKinnon each have 14 points to lead the team with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/r\/rantami01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-05-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mikko Rantanen<\/a> right behind with 13 points for Colorado.<\/p>\n<p>Dallas has been strong at making adjustments when confronted with trouble this post-season. The Stars book their spot in the last four.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Stars win 4-3.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Prop Bets of the Night<\/h3>\n<p>We have a couple of prop bets to get you through tonight&#8217;s action. We like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/r\/reinhsa01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-05-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sam Reinhart<\/a> to get the over on +0.5 goals for the Panthers while we suggest <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/p\/pastrda01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-05-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">David Pastrnak<\/a> with the over on +0.5 points.<\/p>\n<p>In the late game, go with MacKinnon to get the over on +0.5 assists and we think the same thing will work with Jason Robertson.<\/p>\n<p><em>Main photo by: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome back to another day of NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head and other factors that may play in. We also have a featured game of the day, which is considered must-watch TV. Today\u2019s [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2352,"featured_media":440907,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[7903,6081,6085,6124,6255],"class_list":["post-441201","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-2024-stanley-cup-playoffs","tag-boston-bruins-predictions","tag-colorado-avalanche-predictions","tag-dallas-stars-predictions","tag-florida-panthers-predictions"],"modified_by":"Dan Mount, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/441201","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2352"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=441201"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/441201\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/440907"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=441201"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=441201"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=441201"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}