The NHL slate has just six games on Friday evening, but there are a couple of intriguing contests, including a matchup between the Florida Panthers and Detroit Red Wings in Motown. The puck drops at 7 PM ET at Little Caesars Arena. Florida is coming off a 5-3 victory over the Arizona Coyotes on Tuesday evening, but wins have been hard to come by as of late. The Wings, meanwhile, were thrashed 5-1 at home Wednesday by the New Jersey Devils. Both teams are currently outside the playoff picture in the always competitive Eastern Conference. Continue reading for the Panthers vs Red Wings prediction.
Before we get into the odds and predictions for this game, make sure to check out our online sportsbook reviews, and the top NHL betting sites.
Panthers vs Red Wings Odds
 | Puck Line | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Panthers | -1.5 (+180) | -144 | Ov 6.5 (-113) |
| Detroit Red Wings | +1.5 (-210) | +130 | Un 6.5 (+102) |
The Panthers are a -144 moneyline favorite here, while the Red Wings return at +130. The total sits at 6.5. Florida has recently been dominant against Detroit, winning seven in a row. They've also scored at least five goals in the last four meetings.
Florida vs Detroit Preview
The Panthers traded for Matthew Tkachuk in the offseason, hoping he could help them turn things around. The former Calgary Flames star is certainly doing his part with 20 goals and 27 assists, but Florida is out of contention. They currently sit six points back of the Islanders, who hold the final playoff spot in the East. It also doesn't help that the Panthers are losing more than winning lately. The team is 4-6-0 in their last 10 games. On a more positive note, Tkachuk and Co. took care of the lowly Arizona Coyotes on Tuesday. Tkachuk played hero once again, netting a hat-trick to lead the offense. He also tallied an assist. Veteran Eric Staal netted the other two goals. Scoring hasn't been the problem for Florida this season, and it's stopping their opponent. The defense allows 3.41 goals per game, which ranks 24th in the NHL. Their penalty kill is far from elite, too. The Panthers will certainly be confident heading into Friday though, considering the unbeaten run against Detroit.
The Red Wings are just one point above the Panthers in the Eastern Conference but have played three fewer games. At 16-13-7, there is still tons of time to make a run at a postseason berth. The fact that Detroit is even in a position to make the playoffs is promising because the last years have been horrific. The Wings struggled Wednesday against the Devils, allowing five goals at home. Ville Husso will start Friday, but he's allowed nine goals in his last two starts. Lucas Raymond scored the lone goal for Detroit. They outshot NJ 33-27 but failed to capitalize on their opportunities. Unfortunately, this team isn't very productive on either end. They rank 21st in goals and 20th in goals allowed. Dylan Larkin is the leading catalyst in front of the net, scoring 13 times and supplying 20 assists. He's only got one point in his last three games, though, and needs to step up if the Wings will have a chance Friday.
Panthers vs Red Wings Prediction
I don't believe in Husso in between the posts, and the Panthers can score the puck. They're the obvious pick here between those two reasons and Florida's winning run against Detroit. The moneyline and puck line both have value. They've won by an average of four goals in the previous four matchups. Lock in both picks.
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