The Panthers and Wild will drop the puck for the first time to start their respective seasons on Thursday night in Minnesota. With the home team listed as moneyline favorites and the total sitting at 6.5, what’s the best bet in this Panthers vs. Wild matchup?
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
011 Florida Panthers (+110) at 012 Minnesota Wild (-132); o/u 6.5
8:00 p.m. ET, Thursday, October 12, 2023
Xcel Energy Center, Saint Paul, MN
TV: NHLPP/ESPN+
Panthers vs. Wild Public Betting Information
As of this writing, our NHL Public Betting Page shows that 54% of bets are on the Panthers moneyline. That said, this page is updated frequently so make sure that you click on the link provided so that you’re getting the most updated information.
Florida Panthers DFS SPIN
Aaron Ekblad (shoulder) was placed on long-term injured reserve on Tuesday, per PuckPedia. Ekblad’s move to LTIR shouldn’t have an impact on his recovery schedule from shoulder surgery — he’s already been ruled out for at least the first month of the season. The Panthers now have a bit more wiggle room with the salary cap. Look for Gustav Forsling and Oliver Ekman-Larsson to see larger roles in early going.
Minnesota Wild DFS SPIN
Ryan Hartman inked a three-year, $12 million contract extension with the Wild on Saturday, Jessi Pierce of NHL.com reports. Hartman still has one more season left on his three-year, $5,1 million contract. He came into his own in 2021-22, scoring 34 goals, 31 assists, 95 PIM and 72 hits in 82 games. He missed 21 games with an upper-body injury in late October and regressed to 15 goals and 37 points in 59 appearances last season. Hartman is slated to center the top line betwen Kirill Kaprizov and Mats Zuccarello this campaign.
Panthers vs. Wild NHL Betting Trends
Florida is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
The Panthers are 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota’s last 5 games when playing Florida
Minnesota is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games when playing at home against Florida
Panthers vs. Wild NHL Betting Prediction
Take Minnesota. The Panthers are coming off a Stanley Cup Final appearance but let’s not overlook the Wild, who notched a 103-point regular season. That was good enough for third place in a tough Western Conference Central Division. Goaltender Filip Gustavsson enjoyed a breakout performance last season, posting a 22-9-7 record with a 2.10 goals-against average and a .931 save percentage. I expected him to draw the start tonight, play well, and lead the Wild to victory in their home opener.
Panthers vs. Wild NHL Prediction: MINNESOTA WILD -132