We are at the stage in the NHL season where every team needs to take a serious look at their current status to see what needs to be done in the second half of the season. For the teams that are currently occupying a playoff spot or sitting just outside, the time to go shopping is near, as the trade deadline is now almost upon us. For those who are out of the playoff picture, now is the time to start thinking about making moves and planning for next season. There are going to be buyers and sellers open for business, but there are also going to be some teams who like where they are at and decide to stand pat.
The Florida Panthers are in very good shape in the playoff race, but they might well decide to add a piece or two as they make their push in the second half. The Blackhawks are hot and creeping up the standings, so they might also decide to try and strengthen their squad. The Panthers and Blackhawks will meet up in Chicago on Tuesday night, with Florida in as a 1 ½ point road dog. The goal total for this one is set at 6 ½.
Panthers vs Blackhawks 2020 NHL Spread & Expert Analysis
- When: Tuesday, January 21 at 8:30 PM EST
- Where: United Center, Chicago
- TV: ESPN
- NHL Spread: Florida Panthers -1.5 (Total 6.5)
Why bet on the Florida Panthers?
The Florida Panthers are on a really good run of form right now, winning 5 in a row to get to 7-3-0 in their last 10 games. That has taken them to 27-16-5, good for 59 points and third place in the Atlantic Division. They are closing the gap a little on the teams at the top and are now just 3 points back of the Lightning in second and 11 back of the Bruins on top.While the Panthers have a winning record at 11-8-3 on the road this season, they have not had a lot of joy against the Blackhawks. Florida has managed to win just 2 times in their last 15 meetings with the Blackhawks, while also going just 1-7 SU in their last 8 trips to Chicago. The OVER has hit in 4 of their last 5 games.
Team Stats
Offense- Goals: 3.73
- Shots: 33.35
- PP/PK Percentage: 23.87
Defense
- Goals: 3.33
- Shots: 32.04
- PP/PK Percentage: 21.64
Why bet on the Chicago Blackhawks?
It looked for a while as though the Blackhawks were going to sink without a trace, but they are showing some serious signs of life as we approach the All-Star break. The Blackhawks are 7-3-0 in their last 10 games and have now won 5 in a row. That run has taken them to 24-20-6 on the season, which has them now sitting just 3 points back of the final Wild Card spot in the Western Conference.
While the Blackhawks are now close, they need to maintain this form and not fall back to how they were earlier in the season. That would mean getting better at home, where they are just 12-11-3 this season on home ice. They are 13-13 ATS at home this season.
Team Stats
Offense- Goals: 3.04
- Shots: 30.90
- PP/PK Percentage: 15.23
Defense
- Goals: 3.14
- Shots: 35.34
- PP/PK Percentage: 16.89
Panthers vs Blackhawks 2020 NHL Betting Trends
- Panthers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games on the road
- The total has gone OVER in 5 of Florida’s last 5 games against an opponent in the West conference
- Blackhawks are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games when playing at home against Florida
- The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago’s last 7 games at home
Expert Pick & Final Score Prediction for Panthers vs Blackhawks
This is a tough one to call given how well both teams are playing right now. The Blackhawks are 7-3-0 in their last 10 meetings with the Panthers, so I am on them to edge this one.Score: Florida Panthers 3 – Chicago Blackhawks 4
