NHL Betting Guide

The Florida Panthers are in an almost identical spot with the Thrashers and are suffering from many of the same problems.

First and foremost is the power play. Though the Thrashers have been bad, the Panthers have been awful. They have converted the power play a league worst 15.4% of the time and allow their opponents to convert nearly 21% of the time. Giving that sort of an edge makes it very difficult to keep pace with their opponents on a nightly basis.

The evidence of the effect of the powerplay is seen in their overall goal output. They have scored just 174 goals on the season which is 2nd worst in the Eastern Conference. They are still also in the playoff picture but need some big wins soon or it’ll be time to start lobbying for draft position. It would be ideal if some of those big wins came on the road, as they are just 14-18-3 compared to their 14-11-7 record at home. Tomas Vokoun, their goaltender will be key for the Panthers.

Before the Olympics he went on a six-game winless streak, but he has bounced back recently winning his last three starts for the Panthers. If he can continue on this streak and the Panthers can give him a few goals a game they have the potential to push their way into the playoffs down the stretch.

Vokoun has the ability to take over games down the stretch, demonstrated by his 7 shutouts so far this season. They will need all they can get if they have any hopes of making the playoffs.