The Florida Panthers stunned the Boston Bruins in Game 2, winning by the score of 6-3 on the road at TD Garden. A lot of people didn’t have much faith in the Panthers coming into this series, but it’s not such a stretch to say that the Cats have been the better team through the first two games.
Alex Lyon will be back in goal for the Panthers, but the Bruins haven’t announced their starter just yet. Is it possible that the B’s shake things up and go with Jeremy Swayman?
Find out my best bet in our free NHL picks and predictions for Bruins vs. Panthers Game 3 on April 21.
Bruins vs Panthers Game 3 odds
Bruins vs Panthers series odds
| Team | To win | Win in 4 | Win in 5 | Win in 6 | Win in 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bruins | -250 | N/A | +300 | +270 | +300 |
| Panthers | +200 | N/A | +1,100 | +650 | +650 |
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook as of April 22, 2023.
Bruins vs Panthers Game 3 predictions
The Florida Panthers are a team that should no longer be doubted, especially if the Boston Bruins remain without their captain — Patrice Bergeron — who has missed the opening two games of this first round series. Bergeron did not travel with the Bruins to Florida.
The most impressive part about Florida’s win on Wednesday night was that all six of their goals came at even strength. However, this can also be perceived as a negative, because they haven’t been able to convert on the power play. They’re 0-for-5 through the first two games.
Alex Lyon has been extremely impressive in goal for Florida, especially in his last 10 starts. In this span, he went 7-2-1 with a 2.10 GAA and a .936 SV%, along with a +0.7 goals saved above expected.
The Panthers know all too well about the curse of the Presidents' Trophy winner after last year, and the Bruins might have that unfortunate luck this postseason.
It appears that Jeremy Swayman will be making his first start of the playoffs tonight. As good as Swayman is, I think this evens out the goaltending battle a bit.
Both teams have a ton of talent offensively, but the Panthers have been the better team at 5-on-5, and I see them carrying that momentum back home as an underdog.
I’m going with the Cats.
My best bet: Panthers moneyline (+130 at BetMGM)
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Bruins vs Panthers Game 3 moneyline analysis
The Panthers were one of the few teams that were able to compete with the Bruins during the regular season, and they have carried that confidence with them early on in this series.
One common theme between the Bruins and Panthers is that when they do play one another, the team that is at home typically comes away victorious. The home team is 8-1 in their last nine meetings, with that one road win coming from the Panthers on Wednesday night.
Matthew Tkachuk has picked up where he left off during the regular season, as he is leading the Panthers in points with one goal, two assists, and a +2 rating.
The one area of concern for the Panthers is their special teams. They have yet to convert on the man-advantage, and they have even given up a couple of shorthanded goals. Surely, they will make some adjustments before Game 3. If they can get this unit sorted out, they will be that much scarier.
Right now it is hard to bet against Lyon. He has looked very confident, poised, and has been a huge factor as to why this team is in this position to begin with.
I’m riding with the hot netminder.
Bruins vs Panthers Game 3 Over/Under analysis
If Game 2 was a sign of anything moving forward, it showed that there will be a ton of back-and-forth offensive chances in this series.
As of right now, the Panthers are skating to a 3.84 expected goals per 60 minutes, and generated 12 high-danger chances. The Bruins haven’t been as explosive offensively as Florida, but they’re certainly underperforming thus far. The B’s were a Top 3 highest-scoring team in the regular season, and thus far they are at a 2.86 xGF/60. They are certain to find their offensive production based on the advanced metrics.
The Over/Under number might be scary at 6.5, but the Over has hit in five out of the last six meetings between the Bruins and Panthers.
One positive for Boston is their special teams, which they have always been able to rely upon. The B’s have scored on one-third of their man advantage opportunities thus far, and hope to carry that success into Florida.
I think we will see another offensive game, and I am leaning toward the Over.
Bruins vs Panthers betting trend to know
The home team is 8-1 in the last nine meetings. Find more NHL betting trends for Bruins vs Panthers.
Bruins vs Panthers Game 3 game info
| Location: | FLA Live Arena, Sunrise, FL |
| Date: | Friday, April 21, 2023 |
| Puck drop: | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TNT |
