The Florida Panthers (13-8-2) travel to face off against the Montreal Canadiens (10-10-2) on Thursday, November 30th. This game will be played at Bell Centre in Montreal and televised on ESPN+. The Canadiens are coming off a win in their previous game, while the Panthers are looking to get back on track from a loss to the Maple Leafs. Puck drop is set for 7:00 ET.
Florida Panthers vs Montreal Canadiens
The Florida Panthers Look To Bounce Back From A Loss
This season, the Panthers have an overall record of 13-8-2. On the road, Florida holds a 6-5-2 mark, and they are 7-3-0 when playing at home. They are currently positioned 2nd in the Eastern Atlantic division and 3rd in the Eastern conference. Florida’s average scoring margin this season is +.3 leading to an overall puck line record of 11-11. Their scoring margin at home is +.5 and +.2 on the road.
In their most recent game, the Panthers fell to the Maple Leafs on the road by a score of 2-1. In the first period on offense, the Panthers managed to score one time, but that turned out to be the only scoring they could muster for the entire game. For the game, Florida’s only goal came at even strength. Overall, they had 39 shots on goal vs. Toronto.
Although they didn’t win, Florida did cover the puck line as the underdogs in the game. Combining for 3 goals, the game finished below the over/under line of 6.5.
The Montreal Canadiens Are Coming Off A Win
The Canadiens come in with an overall record of 10-10-2. On the road, Montreal has a 5-4-2 record, whereas they are 5-6-0 at home. They are currently positioned 7th in the Eastern Atlantic division and 12th in the Eastern conference. Montreal’s average scoring difference this season sits at -0.6, which has contributed to their overall puck line record of 12-10. When playing at home, they have a scoring margin of -0.7, and on the road, it is -0.5.
In their last game, the Canadiens went up against the Blue Jackets and emerged as winners with a score of 4-2. Offensively, the Canadiens couldn’t break through in the first period, but they scored two times in the second period and two goals in the third. In the game, Montreal managed to score all four goals at even strength. They concluded with 31 shots on goal and committed 4 turnovers.
Going into the game, Montreal was the underdog, giving them a win vs. the puck line. With a combined total of 6 goals, the game concluded below the over/under line of 6.5.
Florida Offense Breakdown
When looking at their offense, the Panthers have an average of 2.9 goals per game this season, positioning themselves 22nd in the NHL. In terms of shots on goal per game, they are ranked 1st in the league. Florida’s offense comes into the game ranked 20th in power play goals. And in terms of shorthanded goals, they are 26th in the NHL.
The Panthers come in with an over/under record of 10-12-0. Over the course of the season, they have had 12 games failing to surpass the 6.5 goal over/under line. The average number of goals in their games is at 5.5 per game.
Montreal Offense Breakdown
The Canadiens come into the game scoring an average of 2.8 goals per game, putting them 24th in the NHL. Regarding shots targeted at the goal per game, they are 21st in the league. Montreal’s offense is currently ranked 17th in power play goals. When it comes to shorthanded goals, they are 15th in the league.
This season, the Canadiens have an over/under record of 11-11-0. Throughout last season, they played 42 games that did not exceed the 6.5 over/under line. On average, their games featured 6.6 goals per game.
Florida Team Defense
The Panthers defense is currently 22nd in goals allowed. Opponents are averaging 27.6 shots per game against Florida. In terms of shutouts, they come into the game ranked 9th with 2 shutouts.
Montreal Team Defense
Coming into the game, the Canadiens’ defense is 29th in takeaways at 5 takeaways per contest. Overall, they are giving up 3.2 goals per game which is 3rd in the NHL.
Panthers vs Canadiens Trends
- Florida has played well in their previous 5 road games, going 3-2 straight up. In this stretch, they averaged 2 goals per game while allowing 1. The team also performed well vs the puck line at 4-1.
- Although Montreal has a straight up record of 3-2 in their last five home games, they have not held up as well vs. the puck line going 2-3. The team averaged 2 goals per game in these games.
- Going back to their previous five games as the underdog, Montreal has an puck line mark of 3-2 while going 2-3 straight up.
- Across their last five matchups as the betting favorite, the Panthers have an overall record of 3-2 while going 2-3 against the spread.
Panthers vs Canadiens Prediction
If you’re interested in a pure moneyline wager, then the Panthers is the preferred option. However, with a payout of -217, it might be worth considering this bet as a component of a larger parlay.
If you’re looking for my recommendation on the puck line, I suggest taking the Canadiens to cover. Even if the Panthers manage to win outright, this game is expected to remain competitive, and the Canadiens should cover the puck line.
If you’re looking at the over/under line set at 6.5 goals, our prediction is that this game will exceed that mark, and we strongly advise placing a bet on the over.
All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!
* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.
Last updated:November 30, 2023 Canadiens, Panthers, Uncategorized