Bruins vs Panthers Game 3 Odds, Starting Goalies & Prediction

• The scene shifts south for Game 3 of the NHL playoff series between the Boston Bruins and Florida Panthers
• The Panthers tied the series 1-1 with Wednesday’s 6-3 victory in Boston
• Read on for all the odds and trends ahead of Friday night’s matchup at FLA Live Arena

The Florida Panthers look to seize the series lead for the first time when they host the Boston Bruins in Game 3 of their NHL Eastern Conference first-round playoff series on Friday night. The Panthers rebounded from a disappointing 3-1 loss in Game 1 to claim a decisive 6-3 victory in Tuesday’s contest and return home with the series knotted at one game apiece.

Start time is set for 7:30pm ET at FLA Live Arena, with all the action televised on TNT, Bally Sports – Florida, and Sportsnet.

Bruins vs Panthers Game 3 Odds

Fresh off their first home loss by a multi-goal margin since mid-January, the Bruins head south for Game 3 perched as -155 favorites in the NHL odds, while the Panthers lag as +130 home underdogs, and the total listed as a -120 bet to go OVER 6.0.

With the series now knotted 1-1, the Bruins have faded to a -275 bet in the NHL series prices and Florida has improved to a +220 longshot to advance.

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Odds from BetMGM Sportsbook on April 20, 2023. Claim the BetMGM promo code to wager on Game 3.

Bruins vs Panthers Recent History

With Wednesday’s victory, the Panthers have now claimed the win in three of five meetings with the Bruins. However, neither of these clubs have tallied consecutive wins while splitting overall clashes this season.

The steady trend towards high scoring continued in Game 2, and the OVER has now paid out in five of six matchups between these teams. The Panthers are undefeated in three straight home dates with the Bruins, outscoring Boston by a wide 13-6 overall margin in those games.

Boston Bruins Betting Outlook

The Bruins fell behind early and were unable to overcome that disadvantage the rest of the way in Wednesday’s 6-3 loss. The loss snapped Boston’s five-game win streak on home ice, and extended a disappointing run in the postseason that has seen this club post consecutive victories just once over their past 14 playoff games.

Boston shooters had their opportunities while outshooting the Panthers by a 37-30 margin. However, the Bruins struggled against a tenacious Panthers defense that forced 15 giveaways, and failed to dominate in front of the net they way they did so effectively in Game 1.

Tyler Bertuzzi became a Bruins fan favorite when he took Nick Cousins' stick to the bench in Game 1. Brad Marchand loved it, but thought Bert didn’t go far enough 🤣 pic.twitter.com/o2RJRrYy28

— The Camera Guys (@NBCSCameraGuys) April 19, 2023

Tyler Bertuzzi continued his strong play with his second goal in four games and third point of the season, while Linus Ullmark allowed more than three goals for just the second time since November. Ullmark is the runaway favorite in the Vezina odds and Boston’s projected starting goalie for Game 3, although backup Jeremey Swayman could enter the series if Ullmark has another rough outing.

David Pastrnak saw an 11-game points streak halted, and the club remains without veteran Patrice Bergeron, who has gotten over his recent illness, but is questionable for Friday due to injury.

Florida Panthers Betting Outlook

The Panthers turned in a gritty performance at both ends of the ice while snapping a five-game playoff losing streak. In addition to establishing the tempo and opening the scoring early, Florida skaters provided their goaltender with a big assist with ferocious forechecking that was effective in stymieing Boston’s efforts to rally.

BRANDON MONTOUR IS A MAN ON A MISSION. 🚨

His second goal of the night gives Florida a 5-2 lead. pic.twitter.com/ZgEywsX3ve

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 20, 2023

After wearing the goat’s horn for giving up a bad goal that proved to be the game winner for Boston in Game 1, Lyon responded with a stout performance in Game 2. The 30-year-old turned aside 34 of 37 shots, including multiple saves that are highlight-reel worthy. Sam Bennett provided the team with a lift in his return from injury, potting the first goal of the game and leading the club with seven shots on goal.

With Panthers skaters giving Boston a bit of its own medicine in front of the net, Brandon Montour found the mark twice on shots from the point. The 29-year-old rearguard has now potted four goals in six games, and picked up 14 points in his past 10 outings.

Bruins vs Panthers Game 3 Prediction

The Panthers demonstrated tremendous poise while rebounding from a tough loss in Game 1. Another complete team, 60-minute effort will be required if they are to claim their first lead of the series.

While the Bruins have won eight straight on the road, it will take more than their trademark physical play and intimidation to extend that streak. Accordingly, the Panthers offer great value as a home underdog on Friday night.

The Pick: Panthers (+130); OVER 6.0 (-120)