For the third consecutive year, the Florida Panthers are in the postseason. In fact, the Panthers are the top seed in the Eastern Conference. But as great as the season was for the Panthers, it was not easy. Following a 7-0 NHL betting odds start, the Panthers were forced to fire head coach Joel Quenneville. Quenneville paid the price for the Chicago Blackhawks sexual abuse scandal. During his time there, Quenneville was judged to have not done enough immediately after the incident was reported. His top assistant, Andrew Brunette, replaced Quenneville.
2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs Florida Panthers vs. Washington Capitals
| Date and Time: | Tuesday, May 03, 2022, 7:30 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Location: | FLA Live Arena, Sunrise, FL |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN2 |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capitals | +1½ (-130) | 6½ (-120) | +180 |  |
| Panthers | -1½ (+110) | 6½ (EV) | -220 | |
| ||||
Florida Panthers vs. Washington Capitals Series Schedule
All Times Eastern *
- Game 1: May 3, 7:30 p.m. – Capitals at Panthers – ESPN2
- Game 2: May 5, 7:30 p.m. – Capitals at Panthers – TBS
- Game 3: May 7, 1 p.m. – Panthers at Capitals – ESPN
- Game 4: May 9, 7 p.m. – Panthers at Capitals – TBS
- Game 5: May 11, TBD – Capitals at Panthers – TV TBD
- Game 6: May 13, TBD – Panthers at Capitals – TV TBD
- Game 7: May 15, TBD – Capitals at Panthers – TV TBD
SBG Odds Overview – Public Buys into Panthers
This was the first head coaching job for Andrew Brunette. On the whole, he exceeded expectations with a record of 50-17-6. Now comes the real test for Florida and Brunette. Consider that Florida is the betting choice to win the Eastern Conference. But the Washington Capitals remain popular sports betting brand. Namely, Alex Ovechkin and the 2018 Stanley Cup title give Washington credibility.
Panthers Bring Plenty of Assets to the Ice
Specifically, Florida’s strength is its offense, which led the NHL in goal scoring. Just as important, the Panthers have plenty of secondary scoring. Florida has eight players with at least 18 goals scored this season.
Of great concern is Florida’s back end and goaltender. It is virtually impossible to win the Stanley Cup without tight defense and reliable goaltending. Florida ranked 9th for shots allowed. Further, it’s ranking of 12th for goals against looks like an NHL betting weakness.
First among Florida scorers was Left-wing Jonathan Huberdeau with 30 goals, 85 assists, and 115 points. This season was the second out of the last four that Huberdeau scored at least 30 goals.
Defenseman Aaron Ekblad was the first overall pick of the 2014 NHL Draft. Subsequently, he has emerged as one of the NHL’s top blueliners. This season Ekblad scored 15 goals with 42 assists and a +38.
The goaltender is where the Panthers may ultimately fall short. Sergei Bobrovsky arrived in 2019-20 with great hype and a massive contract. Although this was his best season since 2018-19, most of Bob’s time in Florida has been inconsistent. Last year in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Bobrovsky lost his net. Bobrovsky had a middle-of-the-pack .913 save percentage this season.
2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs Panthers vs. Capitals Pick
Florida’s improvements were based on high draft picks for the past two seasons. Now, Florida has a golden opportunity in the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs to convert fans and gamblers. It helps that they play an exciting and winning style of hockey. Certainly, the Panthers are one of the NHL’s most entertaining teams.
Capitals vs. Panthers SBG Best Bet: Florida Panthers.