It is true that the Stanley Cup Playoffs have more upsets and parity than any other pro sport. Eight seeds have upset one seeds in the NHL postseason. Additionally, a curse is associated with winning the Presidents’ Trophy as the best regular season team. Therefore, the Florida Panthers were given at least a puncher’s chance with the Stanley Cup betting odds. Following a split at Boston, there was talk of a possible upset. But the Bruins took the next two games at Florida in dominant fashion.
2023 Stanley Cup Playoff First Round Playoff Series Boston Bruins vs. Florida Panthers
| Date and Time: | Wednesday, April 26, 2023, 7 P.M. ET. |
|---|---|
| Location: | TD Garden. Boston, MA. |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panthers | +1½ (-130) | 6½ (-102) | +195 |  |
| Bruins | -1½ (+110) | 6½ (-118) | -235 | |
| ||||
Panthers vs. Bruins Series Schedule
Bruins lead series 3-1
- Game 1: Bruins 3, Panthers 1
- Game 2: Panthers 6, Bruins 3
- Game 3: Bruins 4, Panthers 2
- Game 4: Bruins 6, Panthers 2
- Wed., April 26: Panthers at Bruins, 7 p.m. ET; ESPN
- *Fri., April 28: Bruins at Panthers, TBD
- *Sun., April 30: Panthers at Bruins, TBD
* if necessary
TBD — To Be Determined
Panthers vs. Bruins SBG Odds Overview
Following Boston’s 2-game sweep at Florida, there is not much online wagering enthusiasm for the Panthers. At FLA Arena, the Bruins flashed the dominance that made them a record-setting team in the regular season. Florida is not a popular brand with gamblers in the best of times. Supplementing that is the popularity of the Bruins as a legacy franchise.
Boston has a following that dwarfs Florida. The Bruins are one of the most popular teams on the NHL board. So when it’s going great for Boston, there is an upcharge from oddsmakers based on massive public demand.
Florida Panthers Team Overview
The Florida Panthers were 42-37-8 straight up and 42-30 over/under the total. Also, Florida is 8th in the Eastern Conference playoff standings. Late on, Florida has covered one out of their last six games. While the Panthers have gone over the total in three of its previous five matchups.
Florida has NHL metrics of 6th for goals scored and 10th for power play efficiency. In comparison, on defense, the Panthers have NHL metrics of 21st for goals against and 23rd for penalty killing.
First among Florida scorers is Matthew Tkachuk, with two goals, three assists, five points, and a +2. Goaltender Alex Lyon has a .902 save percentage and 3.25 goals against average. His record is 1-2 with no shutouts.
Boston Bruins Team Overview
The Boston Bruins were 65-12-5 straight up and 36-40-6 over/under the total. Late on, Boston has covered 11 out of their last 12 games. While the Bruins have gone over the total in five of its previous seven matchups.
Boston has NHL metrics of 2nd for goals scored and 12th for power play efficiency. In comparison, on defense, the Bruins have NHL metrics of 1st for goals against and 1st for penalty killing.
First among Boston scorers is Taylor Hall, with four goals, three assists, seven points, and a +3. Goaltender Linus Ullmark has a .926 save percentage and 2.55 goals against average. His record is 3-1 with no shutouts.
Panthers vs. Bruins SBG Free Picks
At the onset of this series were the traditional doubts about a potential upset with the NHL Playoff betting odds. But Boston is too deep for the Panthers in a long series. Florida will get the better price in this spot. But Boston has proven to be too much for the Panthers.
Panthers vs. Bruins SBG Best Bet: Boston Bruins.