Columbus @ FLORIDA
FLORIDA -½ +116 over Columbus

BEST LINES:  Pinnacle -½ +116 BET 365 -1½ +110 SportsInteraction  -1½ +110 5DIMES  -1½ +111

Posted at 2:15 PM EST

7:05 PM EST. Regulation only. There are so many things to like about the Panthers here and we’ll start with the enticing price on the Jackets. We mention that because Columbus is a team with market credibility that is taking back what appears to be a decent price here while the Panthers have very little market credibility and they’re spotting a price. Next, we have an overreaction to the Panthers losing Roberto Luongo for an extended period of time (3 to 4 weeks) but the oddsmakers couldn’t care less because of Luongo was in net, we’re pretty sure the price here would be exactly the same. James Reimer is not an elite goaltender but he’s a very capable back-up and he also appears to be getting better all the time. He’s quick and he is just entering his prime. Don’t be surprised to see Reimer’s stock increase. Finally, the Jackets have played three games and are 2-1 while the Panthers have played just one lousy game and are winless, which also has influence but again, the oddsmakers do not care, as it appears that they have “taken a position” here by offering such a nice price on the team with market credibility. Don’t bite.

What the results don’t tell you is that Florida played an outstanding game in Tampa Bay despite being on the wrong end of an OT loss. This under-the-radar squad held the high flying Bolts to just four high quality scoring chances. The pick possession numbers in that game were almost exactly even but Florida held a 25-19 edge in shots on goal. The Panthers aren’t the best team in the NHL but with their depth of talent at all positions, the Panthers are a playoff team waiting to happen. Florida went 25-8-2 from late January to the end of the season last year and bolstered its attack with the addition of perennial 25-goal man Mike Hoffman and key role player Troy Brouwer. They also have one of the NHL’s top lines with young stud Aleksander Barkov centering Jonathan Huberdeau and Evgenii Dadonov. Meanwhile, the Jackets barely defeated Detroit, 3-2 (in OT) in their only road game of the year and their other win came against the Avalanche. If you make one bet today, this one should be near or at the top of your list.

Also, just like in baseball and every sport, there is a great chance will be adding a bunch of late add-ons to our slate of games after or around 6:00 PM EST and we’ll be sure to tweet them out when we do.

Open an account today at and take advantage of their -104 style pricing on sides and totals, which is 60% better than other sportsbooks.



Our Pick

FLORIDA -½ +116 (Risking 2 units - To Win: 2.32)

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Chicago +167 over Ottawa