The Florida Panthers have officially taken control of their series against the Washington Capitals.
It looked a bit dicey for a while again on Wednesday night, but they rallied from a 3-0 deficit to win 5-3 and take a 3-2 lead in the series. They can clinch the series on Friday night at Capital One Arena in Washington D.C.
Will the Washington Capitals be able to send this series back to Sunrise for Game 7? Or will the Panthers win their first series since 1996?
All NHL playoff odds listed are current as of Thursday, May 12, at 2 p.m. ET, via Caesars Sportsbook (unless noted).
Panthers vs Capitals Game 6 Odds
- Moneyline: Panthers (-190) / Capitals (+160)
- Puck Line: Capitals +1.5 (-150) / Panthers -1.5 (+130)
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-130) / Under 6.5 (+110)
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Panthers vs Capitals Game 6 Prediction
The Panthers finally have a chance to make history and stop the bleeding of not winning a playoff series in 26 years. They have the team to do it and were a popular pick to make the Stanley Cup Final heading into the playoffs.
All it took was for them to be a bit tested in this first round to finally revert back to how they played in the regular season. They had the most come-from-behind wins among any teams during the regular season and that showed in Game 5.
After T.J. Oshie made it 3-0 early in the second period, the Panthers stormed back to tie the game and then took the lead in the third period. Carter Verhaeghe got the game-winner, as he’s killed the Caps all series long.
My overall series prediction is looking pretty good right now, despite the fact that the Capitals could’ve ended this series in five games. Had they hit the empty-netter in Game 4 and not blown that 3-0 lead, they’d be on to the second round.
Instead, the Comeback Cats had their way and are 60 minutes away from wrapping up the series.
I said Panthers in six games at the start, and I’m not backing down from that now.
Panthers vs Capitals Game 6 Pick
Panthers 4, Capitals 3
I was going to take the Capitals in this game because they’ve been a resilient group all season, but with the way they just lost these last two games, I feel like the Panthers have this in the bag.
They’ve been able to withstand the Caps’ best punches in this series and they’re still in line to have handshakes at the end of the game on Friday.
I think the score will be similar to the one we saw on Wednesday, but it won’t include that extra goal. It’s time for the Panthers to prove that their regular season was no fluke and close this series out.
Panthers vs Capitals Game 6 Best Bets
Capitals +1.5 Puck Line (-150)
Wager: 1 Unit
I’m gonna switch it up again with this pick. I know the Panthers blessed me with the -1.5 hitting, but I do think the Caps are going to keep this close. They won’t go down without a fight.
In both games in DC so far, Washington’s +1.5 has hit, and I expect that to be the case here. They’re going to make the Panthers fight for every inch on the ice.
The only way I don’t see this hitting is if one of Vitek Vanecek or Ilya Samsonov has an off night in net for Washington.
Florida will come close to getting an empty-netter at the end, but it’ll go right outside the net for this to stand.
OVER 6.5 Goals (-130)
Wager: 1 Unit
Both teams have started to score a bit more in this series, which is a pretty welcome sight.
Washington has done a lot of solid work defensively, but that changed after Florida started to bully the defensemen in the last half of the game.
I think both teams will be able to score enough in this one for the Over to hit, especially with the Panthers getting more offense as of late. I also think we’re due for Alex Ovechkin to make an impact here.
Panthers vs Capitals Game 6 Best Parlay
Panthers-Capitals Parlay (+850) at BetMGM Sportsbook
- 1st Period Result: Capitals Moneyline
- OVER 6.5 Goals
- Panthers Moneyline
Wager: 1 Unit
My last parlay came super close to hitting but all I needed was the Under 6.5 goals.
I again like the Panthers to win this game outright, but the Capitals have usually gotten the better of the play in each first period of this series. I like for that to continue in this game and for the Panthers to wake up in the second and third periods again.
With how Game 5 went, I also like the Over to hit in terms of goals, but we could easily see a 3-2 game if both teams play a better defensively.
PREVIOUSLY: Panthers vs Capitals Game 5 Prediction
The Florida Panthers survived by the skin of their teeth on Monday night against the Washington Capitals.
Trailing by a goal with less than three minutes remaining and staring a 3-1 series deficit in the face, Florida responded to the adversity in a big way.
With goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky on the bench for an extra attacker, Sam Reinhart scored to tie the game and Carter Verhaeghe found the back of the net nearly five minutes into overtime to level the series.
Game 5 will now shift back to Florida for a best two-out-of-three. Who will prevail in Game 5 and have the chance to move on to the second round later this week?
All NHL playoff odds listed are current as of Monday, May 9, at 9 a.m. ET, via Caesars Sportsbook (unless noted).
Panthers vs Capitals Game 5 Odds
- Moneyline: Panthers (-230) / Capitals (+190)
- Puck Line: Capitals +1.5 (-130) / Panthers -1.5 (+110)
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-120) / Under 6.5 (+100)
Panthers vs Capitals Game 5 Prediction
So, I got my Game 4 prediction right and all of my bets hit, except for the First Team to Score prop in my parlay. Not a bad night!
The Panthers needed that win in Game 4 or this series likely would have been over. For a team that dominated throughout the regular season, Florida needed to show that they can win a close checking game and they did just that.
Going into that overtime period, I had the thought that whoever wins this game will win this series. I know I picked the Panthers to win the series in my original prediction, but that game had me pretty scared. I’m still not super confident, but I think Game 5 is Florida’s to lose.
The Cats are heading home with confidence and will try to get within a game of winning their first playoff series since 1996. That was the same year they won the Stanley Cup.
I think the Panthers will take this one (shocker, I know) off of good goaltending from Bobrovsky and timely goalscoring from their forward group.
Panthers vs Capitals Game 5 Pick
Panthers 4, Capitals 2
As has been the case throughout the series, I’m not overly confident in this pick, but I think the Panthers will do enough to send this back to Washington with the Caps facing elimination.
Washington netminder Ilya Samsonov has had two strong games in a row, but this will be his first true road start in the playoffs. He’s going to keep the Capitals in it, but I like the Panthers high-end talent to lead the way and come out with this win.
Panthers vs Capitals Game 5 Best Bets
Panthers -1.5 Puck Line (+110)
Wager: 1 Unit
I know this wasn’t the case in Game 4, but I’m switching it up a little bit for this game.
The Capitals have played exceptional defense on the Panthers throughout this series. They’ve given a much better effort than a lot better than a lot of people expected from them.
I think that will be the case again on Wednesday but the difference this time will be an empty-net goal at the end of regulation to get this bet to pay out. That’s my bold prediction for this game.
The Panthers will have a 3-2 lead in the late stages of the third period and they’ll get a 5-on-6 goal to seal this one away.
UNDER 6.5 Goals (+100)
Wager: 1 Unit
This one has worked for just about the entire series and I’m gonna roll with it again in Game 5.
Offense tends to be harder to come by in the playoffs, especially since there’s not as much space to operate. Some thought the Panthers weren’t going to be effected by it, but they surely have been so far.
Florida has only scored 4+ goals in one of the four games so far this series. I expect the Under to continue to hit.
Panthers vs Capitals Game 5 Best Parlay
Panthers-Capitals Parlay (+500) at BetMGM Sportsbook
- Odd/Even Goals: EVEN
- Under 6.5 Goals
- Panthers Moneyline
I was super close to a clean sweep in my Game 4 parlay, but I’m going to get it this time around.
Again, I like the Panthers to win this game and I think both teams will play well defensively for the Under to hit. The Under has hit in three of the four games so far this series.
The Even goals prop is a 50/50 shot but I think it’ll hit this time, just like it did in Game 2 when the Cats won 5-1.
PREVIOUSLY: Panthers vs Capitals Game 4 Prediction
The Florida Panthers are officially in trouble.
The President’s Trophy winners have looked out of sorts in this series and now face a must-win Game 4 on Monday night to try and even this series at two games. They’ll also try to take home ice back in the process as it’ll be a best of three starting on Wednesday down in Sunrise.
Meanwhile, the Capitals will look to take a stranglehold on the Panthers in this series and look to potentially have some handshakes as early as Wednesday.
All NHL playoff odds listed are current as of Monday, May 9, at 11 a.m. ET, via Caesars Sportsbook (unless noted).
Panthers vs Capitals Game 4 Odds
- Moneyline: Panthers (-180) / Capitals (+155)
- Puck Line: Capitals +1.5 (-160) / Panthers -1.5 (+140)
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-130) / Under 6.5 (+110)
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Panthers vs Capitals Game 4 Prediction
So, I have gone back and forth in this series so far. I got my Game 1 prediction wrong, then my Game 2 prediction right, and then I lost again on Game 3. It’s time to get back on track here.
On Sunday, the Capitals embarrassed the Panthers and gave them quite the 6-1 drubbing. Florida struck first with Jonathan Huberdeau‘s goal, but it couldn’t get anything going outside of that.
It didn’t matter if the Cats were on the man-advantage or playing 5v5, nothing was working. They also decided to leave Alex Ovechkin wide open from his usual spot on the penalty kill. Not a good idea!
It may sound insane, but I am going to pick the Panthers again. It’s not that I don’t think the Capitals are a good team (they are), I just don’t think the Panthers are going to go down 3-1 heading back to Sunrise.
This series had 6-7 games written all over it from the start and I’m looking for Florida’s big guns to step up and guarantee a Game 6 on Monday night.
Panthers vs Capitals Game 4 Pick
Panthers 3, Capitals 2
Again, I’m not confident in this pick, but I think the Panthers will do just enough to squeak out a victory here.
I know Ilya Samsonov had a tremendous game on Saturday in the net for the Capitals, but consistency has always been his issue this season. I’m just not sure he can follow up that strong performance with another one.
The Panthers are going to come out fired up to win this game and play tighter defense at 5v5 to make this happen. They’ll also finish just enough of their scoring chances to squeak out this win.
Panthers vs Capitals Game 4 Best Bets
Capitals +1.5 Puck Line (-160)
Wager: 1 Unit
With how Washington has played Florida in this series, I expect this one to be another close game.
I underestimated the Capitals at home heading into Game 3 based on their record, but the playoffs can be a different beast. I’m going to be a bit more conservative here and take the Caps puck line due to how well they’re stifling the Panthers’ offensive attack.
Remember, the Panthers were the highest-scoring team during the regular season averaging four goals a game. The playoffs are a different beast and they’ve learned that the hard way so far.
I expect a one-goal game in this one, even though I don’t think it’s going to go Washington’s way.
UNDER 6.5 Goals (+110)
WAGER: 1 Unit
The Under has hit in two of the three games this series, Saturday’s being the exception. Washington again shut Florida’s offense down, though the latter couldn’t return the favor enough.
I think this is going to be a peak playoff game where there isn’t much space between the two teams. Both are going to have to work hard for their chances.
Panthers vs Capitals Game 4 Best Parlay
Panthers-Capitals Parlay (+525) at BetMGM Sportsbook
- Panthers to Score First
- Capitals +1.5 Puck Line
- Panthers Moneyline
Wager: 1 Unit
Florida has scored first in the last two games and I like for that to continue for Game 4. Once that happens though, the Cats will need to keep pushing and create more chances.
Washington has done a tremendous job of slowing that attack down after Florida starts the game well. Due to that, I like the Capitals to keep this game close throughout.
This is set up to be a great, (and pivotal) game in this series.
PREVIOUSLY: Panthers vs Capitals Game 3 Prediction
Well, it’s a series now! The Florida Panthers struck back against the Washington Capitals in a big way on Thursday night as their offense broke out in a 5-1 win.
The series is now tied at one game apiece as it shifts back to Washington. The Capitals accomplished what they came to Sunrise for, which was gaining home-ice advantage thanks to their Game 1 win.
They’ll now look to gain the upper hand by holding serve at Capital One Arena, starting in Game 3 on Saturday afternoon.
All NHL playoff odds listed are current as of Friday, May 6, at 3 p.m. ET, via Caesars Sportsbook (unless noted).
Panthers vs Capitals Game 3 Odds
- Moneyline: Panthers (-200) / Capitals (+170)
- Puck Line: Capitals +1.5 (-150) / Panthers -1.5 (-+130)
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-130) / Under 6.5 (+110)
Panthers vs Capitals Game 3 Prediction
I know I got my Game 1 prediction wrong, but I was happy to get my Game 2 prediction right, even if the final score was a little bit off. Game 2 was a must-win for the Panthers and they surely got it.
Washington’s goaltending was a bit shaky again as Vitek Vanecek was pulled after the second period. He allowed five goals on 19 shots and there were definitely a couple that he would want back.
The Capitals oddly enough were a much better road team this season, posting a 25-10-6 record on their travels and just a a 19-16-6 mark on home ice. Usually, it’s the other way around for most teams, but it wasn’t for the Caps.
The playoffs are a different beast, but that fact is still hard to ignore heading into this game. I’m looking for Florida’s big three of Aaron Ekblad, Jonathan Huberdeau, and Aleksander Barkov to make a major impact again, especially after they led the way in Game 2.
Panthers vs Capitals Game 3 Pick
Panthers 4, Capitals 2
The Capitals’ goaltending really scares me in this series. Head coach Peter Laviolette hasn’t named a starter for Game 3 yet, but both Vanecek and Ilya Samsonov are really shaky.
Washington has played fine in this series, but Florida still has another gear to reach. I know the Cats put up five on the Caps on Thursday, but it took them a bit to get into the game after a lackluster performance in Game 1.
I like the Panthers to take a 2-1 series lead in this one, forcing the Caps to face a must-win Game 4 on Monday.
Panthers vs Capitals Game 3 Best Bets
Panthers -1.5 Puck Line (+130)
Wager: 1 Unit
The Puck Line hasn’t been kind to me in this series yet, but I’m hoping that the third time’s the charm with this one. I really feel like the likely absence of Tom Wilson is going to loom large in this game, just like it did on Thursday.
Wilson is their best goal scorer outside of Alexander Ovechkin and is also an outstanding playmaker. His loss was felt in a big way on Thursday and there was really no update on Friday in regards to his status.
I think the Panthers will take advantage of that absence and continue to control the play like they did last game. They finished Game 2 with 60% of the shot attempts, 63% of the scoring chances, and 66.6% of the high-danger chances in 5-on-5 play.
UNDER 6.5 Goals (+110)
WAGER: 1 Unit
The Under has been hit in both games in this series so far thanks to strong defensive play from at least one team. In Game 1, it was the Capitals who shut down the Panthers’ forwards.
The roles were then reversed in Game 2 as the Panthers did an excellent job of limiting the Capitals’ attack. Sergei Bobrovsky also had another strong game as he’s saved 13-of-16 high-danger shots in this series, per Natural Stat Trick.
At plus-money again, this bet is too good to pass up on.
Panthers vs Capitals Game 3 Best Parlay
Panthers-Capitals Parlay (+300) at BetMGM Sportsbook
- Panthers -1.5 Puck Line
- Odd/Even Amount of Goals: Even
Wager: 1 Unit
There are no player props up yet but for this parlay, I’m confident in the Panthers winning and covering the spread.
The even number of goals prop is definitely a bit random since there’s a 50/50 shot of it happening, but based on how I’m feeling after Game 2, we’re rolling with it. It has good odds, after all.
This has been a fun series so far and it’s only going to get even better as more games are played.
PREVIOUSLY: Panthers vs Capitals Game 2 Prediction
The Florida Panthers and Washington Capitals are set to face off tonight for Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.
The Capitals stunned some people and took Game 1 in Sunrise as they stole home ice from the Panthers. T.J. Oshie got the game-winning goal with less than 10 minutes left in the third period to lift Washington.
It’s now up to the Panthers to respond. All of the pressure will now be on them. They can’t go back to Washington down 0-2, especially after the regular season they just had.
Let’s take a look at some of the odds and best bets for this pivotal Game 2.
Panthers vs Capitals Game 2 Odds
All NHL playoff odds listed are current as of Thursday, May 5, at 1 p.m. ET, via Caesars Sportsbook (unless noted).
- Moneyline: Panthers (-270) / Capitals (+220)
- Puck Line: Capitals +1.5 (-115) / Panthers -1.5 (-105)
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 Goals (-135) / Under 6.5 Goals (+115)
Panthers vs Capitals Game 2 Prediction
Rest assured, this is a must-win for the Panthers. Expectations for them were sky-high coming into this series and they’re going up against a team who lost five of their last six regular-season games.
High-flying offensive teams are sometimes the first to lose in the playoffs because scoring does come down. The games get tighter and fewer penalties are called as well.
I think Florida is going to come out with a chip on its shoulder. The team will want to avoid the President’s Trophy curse and prove that they can play just how they did during the regular season.
I’m looking for both Aleksander Barkov and Jonathan Huberdeau to make great plays with the puck tonight. They were a bit quiet in Game 1, but that’s not going to last.
Panthers vs Capitals Game 2 Pick
Panthers 3, Capitals 2
I think the score from Game 1 will be flipped in the Panthers’ direction. Yes, I know I picked the Panthers to win by two in Game 1, but I also didn’t think they’d play that uninspired for 60 minutes.
Look for them to roar back (no pun intended) and tie this series up as it shifts to Washington for two games after this one.
Panthers vs Capitals Game 2 Best Bets
Capitals +1.5 Puck Line (-115)
WAGER: 1 Unit
I still think the Capitals are going to keep this a fairly close game. It looked like it was going to get out of hand for them in Game 1 when the Panthers took a 2-1 lead, but they were able to keep it close heading into the third period.
The Panthers then didn’t put them away when they needed to, and they paid the price for it.
I like the Caps to keep this a game, even though I don’t think they’re going to win. This is a veteran team that knows how to play in the playoffs. They’re not going to give the Cats a lot of time and space.
UNDER 6.5 Goals (+115)
WAGER: 1 Unit
The Under hit last game thanks to both teams playing well defensively, and I think that’s what’s going to happen again. I don’t think we’re going to see a massive goals explosion again unless one of the goaltenders has an off night.
Look for both teams to continue to limit the high-danger scoring chances and keep most of the chances to the outside.
At plus-money, this is too good of a bet to pass up on.
Panthers vs Capitals Game 2 Best Parlay
Panthers-Capitals Parlay (+550) at BetMGM Sportsbook
- Aleksander Barkov: Anytime Goal Scorer
- Sam Bennett: Anytime Goal Scorer
- Result: Panthers
WAGER: 1 Unit
For the Game 2 same-game parlay, I’m confident in both Sam Bennett and Barkov scoring, plus the Panthers winning. Bennett had a goal in Game 1 and has been a completely different player since coming over from Calgary.
Barkov is also due for a goal and won’t be shut down forever. I also like the Panthers to even this series and send a message to the Capitals heading back to Washington.
Tom Wilson being out doesn’t help Washington’s cause, either.
PREVIOUSLY: Panthers vs Capitals Game 1 Prediction
The Stanley Cup Playoffs are finally here and one of the matchups in the Eastern Conference is between the Washington Capitals and the Florida Panthers.
The Panthers owned the competition this season as they finished the regular season with 122 points and won the President’s Trophy. That means they’ll have home ice throughout the playoffs, should they advance each round.
They’re an offensive juggernaut that’s been one of the highest-scoring teams of the salary cap era. They averaged 4.11 goals per game this season and have the firepower that few teams can match.
The Capitals come into this series as a heavy underdog, which is unusual for them. They’re usually the favorite in a series but due to an aging core, that’s no longer the case.
Can the Caps get a big-time upset? Here are our picks and predictions for the first game of this series.
Panthers vs Capitals Game 1 Odds
All NHL playoff odds listed are current as of Tuesday, May 3, at 11 a.m. ET, via Caesars Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Panthers (-250), Capitals (+205)
- Puck Line: Capitals +1.5 (-115), Panthers -1.5 (+105)
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 Goals (-135), Under 6.5 Goals (+115)
Panthers vs Capitals Game 1 Prediction
The Panthers will finally be playing a meaningful game. Their last few games of the season didn’t mean much since they already had the top record in the conference (and in the league) locked up.
Washington has a puncher’s chance to win this series, but it has to start out strong here in Game 1. The Caps were one of the best road teams in the league this season with a 25-10-6 record away from Capital One Arena.
They need to use that to their advantage and take the crowd out of it early. It’s going to be buzzing down in South Florida since Florida has one heck of a chance to go all the way this year.
In the regular season, the Panthers defeated the Capitals in two of their three meetings. Washington’s lone win was back on Nov. 26, 4-3.
I expect some of the games in this series to be tight, but if the Caps do come out slow on Tuesday, it won’t be good.
Panthers vs Capitals Game 1 Pick
Panthers 4, Capitals 2
I know the Capitals are great on the road, but they struggled mightily down the stretch and lost five of their last six games. Two of their three losses in their last three games also came on the road.
I like the Panthers to jump on the Caps early, especially with their goaltending in flux. It’s been a big weakness for Washington all season and that looks unlikely to change in this series against a great offensive team.
Give me the Panthers in this one, which will set up a must-win Game 2 for the Capitals.
Panthers vs Capitals Game 1 Best Bets
Panthers Puck Line -1.5 (+105)
Wager: 1 Unit
I’m ready to back the Panthers for this entire series and I think they’re going to be fired up to play Game 1 at home in front of their fans. Aaron Ekblad (lower body) is also going to likely be back in the lineup after he returned to practice over the weekend.
He’s one of the premier defensemen in this league that can do it all in all three zones.
Florida can also put Jonathan Huberdeau, Alexander Barkov, and Sam Reinhart on separate lines, which goes to show how deep this team is. Their offense is going to give the Capitals’ defense fits in this game, and the entire series.
Under 6.5 Goals (+115)
Wager: 1 Unit
Based on my final score prediction, I have to take the under here.
I do think that over is going to hit at some point in this series, but it won’t for Game 1. I expect the Capitals will not let this game get out of hand and will stay within striking distance until the very end.
The Panthers can also be stingy at times as they’re right around league average in goals against at 2.46. The playoffs usually have lower-scoring games as well, so take the under in this one.
Panthers vs Capitals Game 1 Best Parlay
Panthers-Capitals Parlay (+475) at BetMGM
- Panthers -1.5 Puck Line
- Odd/Even Points: EVEN
- UNDER 6.5 Goals
WAGER: 1 Unit
I am all aboard the Panthers’ bandwagon for this game. They’re fully healthy going into it and will be able to score enough to take a 1-0 series lead heading into Game 2.
Alex Ovechkin is going to be a little bit rusty coming back from his injury and the Caps just don’t have the firepower to keep up with the Cats.
Panthers vs Capitals Odds To Win Series
- Panthers (-350)
- Capitals (+270)
Panthers vs Capitals Series Prediction
The Panthers finished the season at 58-18-6, good for 122 points, and won the President’s Trophy for the first time in franchise history. They dominated at home and on the road as they have a +94 goal differential overall coming into this series.
Florida is deep as it has four lines that can score at will. It starts up top with Barkov on the top line, followed by Huberdeau on the second line. Barkov is the do-it-all player as he’s great in all three zones, while Huberdeau is the distributor and one of the best playmakers in the NHL.
The Cats also have Reinhart on the third line with Mason Marchmant, who came out of nowhere this season with 18 goals and 47 points in 54 games.
However, this Capitals team isn’t going to go down without a fight. They know this could be one of their last real shots at a championship in the Ovechkin era and they played well for the most part in April before stumbling in the final week of the season.
It’s still hard to bet against the Cats, especially with how they tore up the league this season. They should be good to win their first playoff series since 1996.
Panthers vs Capitals Series Pick
Panthers in 6 Games
Again, the Panthers are just so deep and they’re welcoming back Ekblad this time around. He had to miss last year’s playoffs with a severe injury that affected their play big-time.
All they need is average goaltending. Yes, Sergei Bobrovsky’s playoff struggles are definitely real, but he has a chance to put those demons to rest in this series.
I like Florida in this one.
Panthers vs Capitals Series Best Bets
Series To Go 6 Games (+225) at Caesars Sportsbook
Wager: 1 Unit
Four games would be way too bold here. Heck, even five games would be a bit bold. The Capitals aren’t going to get swept out of the first round, even though they’re playing the top seed.
However, they did lose in five games last season to the Boston Bruins, a team that was good but didn’t have this much firepower. They were still close in all of those games, despite the 4-1 series score.
Consider this NHL bet of the day.
Series Correct Score: Panthers 4-2 (+350)
Wager: 1 Unit
The fact of the matter is that the Panthers have more scorers on their team than the Capitals do. Yes, Ovechkin is going to be back, but when he’s not scoring goals, the Caps are struggling to put the puck in the back of the net.
Their bottom six doesn’t compare to the Cats’ and their goaltending is too shaky for me to think they can get this series to a sixth or seventh game.
