Montreal Canadiens vs. Florida Panthers Player Props, Picks and Predictions – Thursday, Feb. 29

Nov 30, 2023; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens right wing Josh Anderson (17) and Florida Panthers defenseman Gustav Forsling (42) during the first period at Bell Centre
Image Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports

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

The Florida Panthers (39-16-4) are set to host the Montreal Canadiens (23-28-8) in a clash of Atlantic Division foes. With the Panthers sitting comfortably at the top of their division and the Canadiens struggling near the bottom, this game presents a stark contrast in momentum.

Montreal Canadiens vs. Florida Panthers Odds Info

Moneyline: Montreal Canadiens +270 (DraftKings) / Florida Panthers -340 (DraftKings)

Puck Line: -1.5 – Montreal Canadiens +115 (PointsBet) / Florida Panthers -140 (PointsBet)

Total: 6.0 – +100 (BetMGM) / -120 (BetMGM)

Game Info

Date: Thursday, Feb. 29

Time: 07:00 PM

Location: Amerant Bank Arena – Sunrise, FL

TV: ESPN+

Montreal Canadiens Betting Trends

  • On the road this season, the Montreal Canadiens have 11 wins and 17 losses.
  • As the underdog this season, the Montreal Canadiens have 19 wins and 35 losses.
  • This season, the Montreal Canadiens have hit 30 overs and 29 unders.

Florida Panthers Betting Trends

  • At home this season, the Florida Panthers have 19 wins and 10 losses.
  • As the favorite this season, the Florida Panthers have 35 wins and 13 losses.
  • This season, the Florida Panthers have hit 20 overs and 39 unders.

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

Over the course of the last two seasons, the Montreal Canadiens and Florida Panthers have faced off six times, with the Panthers emerging victorious in each encounter. These matchups took place between December 29, 2022, and December 30, 2023, showcasing a clear dominance by the Panthers both as the home and visiting team, with each side claiming three wins on their respective turfs. The Panthers have consistently outperformed the spread, covering it in all six games, while the Canadiens have failed to do so even once. In terms of the over-under betting line, the total score has exceeded the set threshold four times (“Over”) and fallen short twice (“Under”). The Panthers have demonstrated a strong offensive presence, outscoring the Canadiens with a significant margin in most games. The betting odds have frequently favored the Panthers, as indicated by their lower moneyline values, and they have lived up to the expectations set by these odds.

The most recent game between the two teams on December 30, 2023, ended with a 4-1 victory for the Florida Panthers. The Panthers, playing at home, were the favorites with a closing moneyline of -245 and a spread of -1.5, which they successfully covered. The game concluded with a total score of 5, resulting in an “Under” against the closing over-under line of 6.5. Eetu Luostarinen’s two goals, including the game-winner, were instrumental in securing the Panthers’ win. The Canadiens’ sole goal came from Cole Caufield in the second period, which temporarily tied the game. The Panthers’ goaltender, Anthony Stolarz, had an impressive save percentage of 0.947, while the Canadiens’ Jake Allen saved 22 out of 26 shots for a save percentage of 0.88. The Panthers capitalized on their power play opportunities, scoring two goals, and displayed a solid defensive effort by blocking 13 shots.

Montreal Canadiens vs. Florida Panthers Predictions

The Panthers, riding a 2-game winning streak, have been showcasing their offensive prowess throughout the season, led by Sam Reinhart and Matthew Tkachuk, who have been instrumental in their team’s success. Florida’s high-powered offense, ranked among the best in the league, will look to capitalize on a Canadiens defense that has been porous at times this season. The Panthers’ ability to consistently cover the spread in recent matchups against the Canadiens will give them added confidence going into this game.

On the other side, the Canadiens, with a modest 1-game winning streak, are looking to build on their recent victory and upset the odds. Nick Suzuki and Mike Matheson have been bright spots for Montreal, providing much-needed offense and defensive stability. However, the Canadiens will need to step up their game significantly if they hope to challenge a Panthers team that has dominated their recent head-to-head encounters.

This game will also feature a goaltending duel that could be the difference-maker. The Panthers’ Anthony Stolarz has been solid between the pipes, and his performance will be key in thwarting the Canadiens’ attempts to score. Meanwhile, the Canadiens’ Jake Allen will need to have an exceptional game to give his team a chance at victory. With both teams eager to claim these crucial points in the standings, this matchup is poised to be an intriguing battle on the ice.

Montreal Canadiens vs. Florida Panthers Pick

Despite the Florida Panthers’ recent dominance over the Montreal Canadiens, the value lies in the underdog’s moneyline bet for this matchup. The Canadiens have shown resilience against the spread in their recent games, boasting a 4-1 ATS record in their last five games, which suggests they are performing better than the betting market anticipates. Additionally, the Canadiens are coming off a win and will be motivated to break the streak against a Panthers team they have struggled against. With the odds heavily favoring the Panthers, the potential return on the Canadiens’ moneyline is too good to pass up, especially considering the unpredictable nature of hockey where upsets are always within the realm of possibility.

Furthermore, the Canadiens’ goaltender Jake Allen has the ability to steal games, and if he can replicate the high save percentage he’s shown in flashes this season, Montreal could very well surprise the Panthers. The Canadiens’ top players like Nick Suzuki and Mike Matheson are capable of making an impact, and if they can find a way to exploit any complacency in the Panthers’ play, they could turn the game in their favor. Given the high stakes and the potential for a high-reward bet, backing the Canadiens on the moneyline is a calculated risk worth taking in this scenario.

The Pick: Montreal Canadiens +270 (DraftKings)

Montreal Canadiens vs. Florida Panthers Player Prop Picks

Here are the players who have hit over their current prop line in at least 7 of their last 10 games.

Montreal Canadiens

Player Name Prop Line Over Rate Over Odds Under Odds Last 10 Average Projection
Cole Caufield Shots On Goal 3.5 8/10 -120 -110 4.5 4.51
Nick Suzuki Points 0.5 8/10 -175 +135 1.4 1.20

Florida Panthers

Player Name Prop Line Over Rate Over Odds Under Odds Last 10 Average Projection
Matthew Tkachuk Assists 0.5 8/10 -140 +110 1.2 1.2
Carter Verhaeghe Points 0.5 8/10 -210 +160 1.1 1.2