Boston Bruins vs. Florida Panthers Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 10/8/2024 7:00 PM EST

We have your Boston Bruins vs. Florida Panthers prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Boston Bruins hit the road to face the Florida Panthers.

Boston Bruins vs. Florida Panthers Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Boston Bruins +130 (DraftKings) / Florida Panthers -145 (Caesars)
Best Puck Line Odds: -1.5 - Boston Bruins -200 (FanDuel) / Florida Panthers +165 (BetRivers)
Best Total Odds: 6.0 - Under -118 (DraftKings) / Over +100 (BetMGM)

Game Info

Date: 10/8/2024
Time: 7:00 PM EST
Location: Amerant Bank Arena (Sunrise, FL)
TV: ESPN

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

Over the past two seasons, the Boston Bruins and Florida Panthers have faced each other ten times, with the Bruins securing six victories and the Panthers winning four. The games have shown a tendency for the visiting team to prevail, as they have won seven out of the ten matchups. In terms of betting outcomes, the Bruins have covered the spread in six games, while the Panthers have done so in four. The games have leaned slightly towards the under, with six games finishing below the total points line and four going over. These statistics highlight a competitive rivalry where the visiting team often has the upper hand, and the games tend to be closely contested, as indicated by the spread and over/under results.

The most recent encounter between these two teams took place on May 17, 2024, during the playoffs, where the Florida Panthers emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over the Boston Bruins. The Bruins initially took the lead with a goal from Pavel Zacha in the first period, assisted by Jake DeBrusk and Parker Wotherspoon. However, the Panthers equalized in the second period with a goal from Anton Lundell, assisted by Carter Verhaeghe. The decisive moment came late in the third period when Gustav Forsling scored the game-winning goal, with assists from Lundell and Matthew Tkachuk. The Panthers outshot the Bruins with 28 shots on goal compared to Boston's 23, and both teams displayed strong defensive efforts with 23 and 24 blocked shots, respectively. Despite the Bruins winning a significant majority of faceoffs, the Panthers' effective play in crucial moments secured their victory.

In terms of individual performances, Sergei Bobrovsky was instrumental for the Panthers, making 22 saves and achieving a save percentage of 0.957. On the other side, Jeremy Swayman of the Bruins faced 28 shots and made 26 saves, resulting in a save percentage of 0.929. Both teams struggled on the power play, with the Panthers going 0 for 3 and the Bruins 0 for 2. The game was characterized by its defensive intensity and the ability of the Panthers to capitalize on key opportunities, ultimately leading to their narrow victory. This recent matchup reflects the competitive nature of the series between these two teams, setting the stage for their upcoming encounter.

Boston Bruins vs. Florida Panthers Preview

The Boston Bruins are set to face off against the Florida Panthers in what promises to be a thrilling season opener at the Amerant Bank Arena. This matchup not only marks the beginning of the 2024-25 NHL season but also reignites a fierce rivalry between two of the league's top teams. The Panthers, fresh off their Stanley Cup victory, will be raising their championship banner, adding an extra layer of excitement and motivation for both teams.

For the Bruins, this game represents a chance to start the season on a high note against the reigning champions. Boston has made some significant roster changes during the offseason, including the addition of forward Elias Lindholm and defenseman Nikita Zadorov, both of whom are expected to make an immediate impact. The Bruins will also be looking to capitalize on the return of Brad Marchand, who is back to full health after undergoing multiple offseason surgeries. The uncertainty surrounding the starting goalie position adds intrigue, with Jeremy Swayman recently signing a lucrative eight-year contract but having missed all of training camp. Coach Jim Montgomery has yet to announce whether Swayman or Joonas Korpisalo will get the nod in net.

On the other side, the Panthers are eager to defend their title and begin their campaign with a victory. With a roster that boasts elite talent such as Matthew Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov, Florida is well-equipped to challenge any opponent. The Panthers have retained their top scorers and key defensemen, ensuring continuity and strength across the board. Sergei Bobrovsky, a Vezina Trophy finalist last season, will be the starting goaltender, providing a formidable last line of defense against the Bruins' offensive threats.

Historically, the Bruins have had the upper hand in recent matchups, winning six of the last ten encounters. However, the Panthers' victory in their most recent playoff meeting serves as a reminder of their capability to perform under pressure. As both teams take the ice, the Bruins will aim to spoil the Panthers' celebratory night, while Florida will look to assert their dominance and set the tone for another successful season. With both teams possessing a mix of skill, grit, and determination, this game is poised to be a captivating contest that could set the stage for the rest of the season.

Boston Bruins vs. Florida Panthers Pick: Florida Panthers Moneyline

As the Florida Panthers prepare to raise their Stanley Cup championship banner, they enter the season opener against the Boston Bruins with a palpable sense of momentum and confidence. The Panthers, who are the reigning champions, have retained their core group of elite players, including Matthew Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov, both of whom were instrumental in their successful campaign last season. This continuity, combined with the addition of new talents like Jesper Boqvist and A.J. Greer, positions the Panthers as a formidable force right from the start.

Sergei Bobrovsky, a Vezina Trophy finalist, will be guarding the net for the Panthers. His impressive record last season, particularly at home, underscores his ability to perform under pressure. Bobrovsky's experience and skill provide a significant advantage for the Panthers, especially against a Bruins team that is still deciding on their starting goaltender. The uncertainty surrounding Jeremy Swayman's readiness, given his absence from training camp, adds an element of unpredictability to Boston's defense.

Moreover, the Panthers have shown resilience and capability in high-stakes situations, as evidenced by their recent playoff victory over the Bruins. This psychological edge, coupled with the emotional boost of the banner-raising ceremony, could serve as a catalyst for a strong performance. The Panthers' ability to capitalize on key opportunities, as demonstrated in their previous encounters, further solidifies their position as favorites in this matchup.

While the Bruins have made strategic offseason acquisitions and boast a strong lineup, the Panthers' home advantage and championship pedigree make them a compelling pick for the moneyline. The combination of a cohesive team structure, elite talent, and the emotional high of celebrating their championship sets the stage for the Panthers to start their season with a victory over their rivals.

Boston Bruins vs. Florida Panthers Top Player Prop Picks

Matthew Tkachuk Over 0.5 Assists +110 (bet365)

Matthew Tkachuk is a pivotal player for the Florida Panthers, and his ability to create scoring opportunities is well-documented. Last season, Tkachuk was one of the top scorers for the Panthers, and his playmaking skills were a significant factor in their Stanley Cup victory. With the Panthers retaining their core group of elite players, including Tkachuk, the chemistry on the ice is expected to be seamless. The Bruins' defense will have their hands full trying to contain the Panthers' offensive threats, and Tkachuk's knack for setting up his teammates could easily lead to an assist in this high-stakes season opener. The odds of +110 for Tkachuk to record an assist offer good value, considering his role and the offensive firepower surrounding him.

Jeremy Swayman Over 28.5 Goaltender Saves -105 (BetMGM)

Jeremy Swayman, despite missing training camp, is poised to be a key figure for the Bruins this season. His impressive performance in the previous season, where he posted a .916 save percentage, highlights his capability as a top-tier goaltender. The Panthers, known for their offensive prowess, will likely test Swayman early and often, especially with the emotional boost of their banner-raising ceremony. Given the Panthers' tendency to outshoot their opponents, as seen in their playoff victory over the Bruins, Swayman will have ample opportunity to rack up saves. The line of 28.5 saves is achievable, particularly if the Panthers maintain their aggressive offensive approach.

Brad Marchand Over 0.5 Points -125 (BetMGM)

Brad Marchand's return to full health is a significant boost for the Bruins, and his presence on the ice is expected to be impactful. Known for his offensive contributions, Marchand will be eager to make his mark in the season opener against a formidable opponent. Historically, Marchand has been a consistent point producer for the Bruins, and with the added motivation of facing the reigning champions, he is likely to be heavily involved in Boston's offensive plays. The odds of -125 for Marchand to record at least one point reflect his potential to contribute significantly in this matchup, making it a solid prop bet for those looking to capitalize on his offensive capabilities.