Posted on
11/29/2007 3:37:31 PM
Bet On NHL - Boston Bruins vs. Florida Panthers
By Robby Maddux
The Boston Bruins (-105) are hockey's most profitable team ATS (against the spread) this season, but tonight when they skate against the Florida Panthers (-115) at BankAtlantic Center, the NHL betting community should be careful wagering on the league's biggest-money makers.
Based on $100 wagers ATS, the Bruins are 17-5 having collected a stout $1,200. However, the Bruins have dropped six consecutive games SU (straight up) versus the Panthers and have not defeated Florida since a 4-1 victory in Boston on Nov. 3, 2005.
The Panthers have outscored the Bruins 33-17 during the win streak in the series, totaling 21 goals in three home games.
Center Olli Jokinen has been particularly impressive for the Panthers during the run against Boston, with five goals and seven assists in the six Panthers victories.
The Panthers are also riding a four-game overall winning streak with their last two wins coming by way of shootout, including a 2-1 victory at Washington on Wednesday.
The Panthers are 68-144-21 in their last 233 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game and they're 20-47-8 in their last 75 games playing on zero days rest.
Tomas Vokoun stopped 32 shots in regulation, and then denied 8-of-11 Capitals in the shootout to improve his record to 12-10-0 in his first season with the Panthers in the win. Florida is a perfect 3-0 in shootouts this season, with Vokoun in net for all of them.
The 12-12-1 Panthers sit second in the Eastern Conference's Southeast division with 25 points. On home ice, they are 7-4-0. Florida has scored 62 goals this year, 2.45 per game. Defensively, the Panthers have allowed 70 goals, 2.77 per game.
- Panthers are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. Eastern Conference.
- Panthers are 2-5 in their last 7 vs. Northeast.
Bruins goalie Tim Thomas has had a terrible time against Florida in his career, going 0-4-1 with a 5.02 GAA in five starts. It should come as no surprise if the Bruins give 20-year-old rookie Tuukka Rask his second consecutive start.
The Bruins have scored 26 points with a 12-8-2 record, as they're mid-pack in the Eastern Conference's Northeast division. Away from home, they are 5-6-1.
Boston has managed two goals or fewer in 13 of its 22 games this season but have won three of their past four. They've scored just 57 goals on the year, 2.56 per game. Defensively the Bruins rank fourth in the league allowing only 53 goals, 2.38 per game.
- Bruins are 4-1 in their last 5 Thursday games.
- Bruins are 5-2 in their last 7 vs. Eastern Conference.
- Bruins are 5-2 in their last 7 vs. a team with a losing record.
- Bruins are 2-5 in their last 7 road games.
- Bruins are 5-2 in their last 7 overall.
NHL odds list Florida the slight money-line favorite at -115 and -1½ +210 on the spread with a game total of 5½ under -115.
- Panthers are 2-5 in their last 7 games as a favorite of -110 to -150.
- Bruins are 2-6 in their last 8 games as an underdog.
- Over is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.
Analysis: The Panthers have recently dominated the Bruins, and there's no reason the trend should end this evening. Despite Boston's rock-solid defense, Florida's offense will do just enough to get the win in this one under home cooking.
NHL Free Picks: Florida Panthers -115
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