Pinnacle -½ +158  B365 -½ +180 SportsInteraction -½ +160 5DIMES  -½ +155 888Sport -½ +165

Posted at 1:30 PM EST.

Carolina -½ +180 over FLORIDA

7:05 PM EST. Regulation only. The Hurricanes are a perfect 3-0 but could easily be 0-3 because all three of their games went to OT. The chances of a fourth in a row to start the season going to OT is unlikely (never been done before) so rather than taking back a nickel or so, we’ll play the Hurricanes to win this one in regulation. Of course, you can choose to play it with OT included if you prefer. 

The Panthers are 1-1 but the market will take notice that they opened the season with back-to-back games against the Lightning. Tampa is largely considered to be the greatest show on ice and the Panthers played them tough both games. Florida also added Sergei Bobrovsky, which adds to their market appeal. The Panthers posted the NHL’s second-worst team save percentage last season, as Roberto Luongo forgivably didn’t have it anymore in his age-39 season. Finally, Florida hired Joel Quenneville and he, too, has market appeal. Quenneville is a three-time Cup champ and sits No. 2 all-time in coaching wins. Aside from all the positive preseason projections, the Panthers have a slew of market appeal for the first time in a long time and they’re not without talent. In fact they’re loaded but Carolina is a true powerhouse that will rarely get outplayed this year. 

Carolina also played Tampa and outshot them 42-13. They held the Bolts to two shots on net in the final two periods and OT. That it was 3-3 after three periods is nothing but a misleading and flattering score to Tampa Bay. It was total domination and now the Hurricanes can’t wait to get back on the ice. This is a Carolina team that is rich in every aspect (except goaltending) and their defense is the envy of every coach. See that second worst save percentage by Florida last year that is being blamed on its goaltenders? Some of the blame also has to go to the defense for allowing so many high danger scoring chances against. Carolina allows a fraction of the high danger chances that Florida does. In that regard, one can reasonably expect that Carolina will get more quality scoring chances than Florida and that makes the ‘Canes a very worthwhile investment here.   

----------------------------------------------------

A cheaper and better alternative to CABLE

TV Programming

A GREAT OFFER FOR SPORTSWAGERS READERS:

We’re offering a better and cheaper alternative to cable TV. You will literally save thousands of dollars. If you’re sick of paying a fortune for programming that you don’t even want or need, this is for you. All pro sports -- EVERY GAME, tons of college football and basketball games and tons of regular programming (non-sports). Over 2500 channels all in HD for a mere $20 per month. You have to be nuts not to get it.

Get all the details here