The Florida Panthers will be looking to bounce back from a 5-3 loss to the Detroit Red Wings when they host the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday night. This will be a good spot for a bounce-back as the Blackhawks are struggling right now and riding a three-game losing streak. They do not play a winning brand of hockey, as they are second-last in the NHL, averaging 2.20 goals for per game. At the other end of the ice, they are averaging 3.87 goals against per game. This is also second-worst in the league. The Blackhawks are also 0-5-1 on the road this season. The Panthers are expecting the return of starting netminder Jacob Markstrom. He was steady to begin the season before going down with an injury.
The Panthers are loaded with veteran forwards who are familiar with playing against superstars like Connor Bedard. They will be able to shut him down on Wednesday. Outside of Bedard, the Blackhawks do not have any other big-time offensive threats. The Panthers should be leading this game late into the third period, which brings in the chance for an empty net goal if needed. Give me the Panthers to cover the puck line in this one.
Blackhawks vs Panthers prediction: Panthers -1.5 (+100) available at time of publishing. Playable to -110.
