Free Picks: Florida Panthers vs. Dallas Stars

For multiple reasons, I think this contest will be low scoring. Dallas is one of the top defensive teams and Florida has flexed their defensive muscles all season. Aaron Ekblad’s absence certainly hurts, but the Panthers’ D-core has helped fill the void. Saturday’s contest should be interesting and I will definitely be watching the total goals.

Since losing star defenseman Aaron Ekblad for the rest of the season, the Florida Panthers have seen a significant decrease on defense. While they have managed to win games without Ekblad, the Panthers’ recent two losses to Carolina prove how significant he was against top teams.

Luckily for the Panthers, Saturday is another opportunity to turn it around against the Dallas Stars. The Stars are no strangers to injuries as some of their top players are on the sideline currently.

For this free NHL prediction, I want to focus on total goals. This contest has me thinking it will be low-scoring for several reasons.

Yes, in order for the under to cash, you need top-notch defense. Ekblad won’t be in the lineup, so you need other defensemen to step up. In Ekblad’s absence, Florida was able to remain talented defensively. Their only two slip-ups since his removal from the lineup were against top-rated Carolina.

Another reason why I think taking the under is your best NHL bet is Dallas’ offense. The Stars have struggled to score goals this season. Against a competent defensive team like Florida, goals should not come easy.

Dallas is also a team that has done a solid job on defense as well. For all of their offensive flaws, they have kept it together on the back-end of things. If we see another quality defensive performance by Dallas on Saturday, I think this bet cashes no problem.

And lastly, contests between Florida and Dallas have been relatively low-scoring as well. Only once this season has the total goals gone over 6 between the Stars and Panthers.

With all the facts laid out, I am confident in betting on the under for total goals for this game.

• The total has gone under in 5 of Florida’s last 7 games.
• The O/U has split 5-5 in last 10 between Florida and Dallas.
• Dallas ranks 1^st in shots against at home.
• The under has cashed in 5 of last 7 games between Dallas and Florida.