NHL Picks: Does Florida Kick It Into Gear Tonight vs. Washington?

Does Florida Kick It Into Gear Tonight?

The Florida Panthers should be better. Most everyone knows this fact. Look at their numbers and some of their advanced metrics. It’s a case of total frustration. So much is below average. Their shooting percentage is 7.8%, with a power-play functioning at 14.5%. That represents more dysfunction than anything else.

It is early, but the return of Aaron Ekblad will open things up for Florida. The Panthers’ forwards helped hold the fort, but the offense needs to kick it into gear. For a team averaging a little more than three goals a game, that sounds weird but true. 

The expected goaltender matchup will be Darcy Kuemper versus Sergei Bobrovsky on Tuesday night. Both goaltenders are under .500, which is something few would expect. Kuemper has performed pretty well, but goal support has sometimes been a little suspect. Bobrovsky plays well from time to time, yet again the three phases of Florida have yet to be in sync. 

The Washington Capitals still miss Tom Wilson and Nicklas Backstrom. They are a team that can occasionally come up with vintage efforts but need to be more consistent. It helps to have John Carlson back but only so much. 

There is an expectation of a much better performance from both teams tonight. Washington allowed six goals in Tampa Bay on Sunday night. Florida only scored two goals at home versus Edmonton. This is a night where Florida should be the team to wager on. The Panthers' three-way at -120 is an excellent way to get in on a team that likely gets things done in 60 minutes tonight.

Philadelphia Revenge?

The one thing about hockey is that revenge can come quickly. Part two of the “Johnny Gaudreau Bowl” occurs as the Philadelphia Flyers head into Columbus to face the Blue Jackets tonight. 

Philadelphia lost to Columbus last Thursday by a score of 5-2. It had to be one of its worst performances of the season. The Flyers have dropped a couple of games lately, making John Tortorella and his team a little salty. 

Carter Hart’s numbers are starting to come back to Earth, but he is a much better goalie than either one Columbus currently possesses. Even if Hart is not a .930 goaltender, he is not Elvis Merzlikins or Joonas Korpisalo on one injured Blue Jackets squad. Columbus is now missing Zach Werenski and Patrik Laine for this game. 

Despite that, Columbus is still a slight favorite in the -115 range. Yes, the game is on the road for Philadelphia, but it will be motivated for many reasons. Hopefully, no one gets a 37-second press conference from Tortorella after this one. Also, watch to see if the Over tilts toward 6.5. It is close. 

Detroit And Anaheim

As much as Dallas and Tampa Bay will be fun for their potential goalie duel, Detroit and Anaheim will be intriguing simply for the unknown. Both teams give up their share of scoring chances and shots. It is not on the level of Philadelphia and Columbus (71 shots combined allowed a game), but opportunities are there. 

Meanwhile, the projected goalies yield more than four goals a game with save percentages well under .900. John Gibson is not himself in Anaheim, and Alex Nedeljkovic has gotten off to an awful start this year in Detroit. Keep an eye on this, but no matter who starts, goals could be served often. Detroit scored three or more goals in the past four meetings.

The first meeting in October saw Detroit win 5-1. This time around, it's a little closer. Embrace the chaos and fun of what could be a nice late-night matchup.

Some Picks To Consider

• Florida Panthers 3-way bet if it stays at -120
• Aaron Ekblad shot and point props
• Dallas and Tampa Bay Under 6.0 goals at +100
• Carter Hart save prop and the Flyers’ moneyline

Good luck, and once again, thanks for reading! We will have a few more plays on social media as conditions warrant.

All odds today come from BetMGM.