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Panthers vs. Bruins Predictions & Odds: Today's NHL Playoffs Expert Picks

Gary Pearson

Last Updated: May 17, 2024 5:00 PM EDT • 3 min 24 sec read.

Jeremy Swayman (1) of the Boston Bruins tends goal against the Florida Panthers, as we offer our best Panthers vs. Bruins expert picks for Game 6 at TD Garden in Boston.
Jeremy Swayman (1) of the Boston Bruins tends goal against the Florida Panthers in Game 4 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the TD Garden on May 12, 2024 in Boston. Photo by Rich Gagnon/Getty Images via AFP.

The Boston Bruins host the Florida Panthers tonight for Game 6, which begins at 7 p.m. ET at TD Garden. Here are our top Panthers vs. Bruins predictions based on the best NHL odds. 

The Boston Bruins managed to save their season with a Game 5 win over the Florida Panthers with captain Brad Marchand on the shelf. The biggest question for tonight's Game 6 is whether he'll return - and if the Bruins can win again if he doesn't.

The Panthers are -142 favorites to eliminate the Bruins in Game 6, with puck drop set for 7 p.m ET on TNT from TD Garden. That could change if Marchand - who practiced with Boston's top power-play unit on Thursday - makes his return on home ice, though Florida has won five straight playoff games in Boston dating back to last season.

Meanwhile, the Panthers will try to avoid the close-out jinx that has permeated these 2024 NHL playoffs, with teams going 1-4 in the second round with a chance to win the series. They remain among the top contenders by the Stanley Cup odds, alongside the Dallas Stars.

Here are our best Panthers vs. Bruins predictions and NHL picks (odds via our best NHL betting sites; pick confidence based on a 1-to-5-star scale).

Panthers vs. Bruins Game 6 expert picks

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Panthers vs. Bruins predictions for Friday

Sam Reinhart Over 3.5 shots ⭐⭐⭐⭐

In Game 5, Reinhart was more dominant than a silverback gorilla during mating season. He had eight shots on goal, many of which were set up by linemate and captain Aleksander Barkov.

The Panthers' first line was buzzing in a losing effort as Reinhart scored the team's only goal. Had it not been for bad puck luck and an inability to find the corners, he would have potted at least one more.

He has at least four shots on goal in six of 10 playoff contests. Reinhart has only hit the Over in one of his last four outings but fired three pucks on goal in the three Unders. At +124, DraftKings offers exceptional value. The odds imply a probability of 44.64%, and a $10 wager will pay a profit of $12.40 if it hits. 

Best odds: +124 via DraftKings

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Jake DeBrusk Over 0.5 points ⭐⭐⭐

After a barren streak of one point in six games, DeBrusk has come back to life with at least one point in three straight games. He has four points in that stretch and assisted on Morgan Geekie's Game 5 opener. DeBrusk has enjoyed his recent success without Marchand, who missed the last two games due to an upper-body injury. 

DeBrusk has three points in his last two home games and is tied with Marchand for the team lead, notching five goals and five assists in 10 outings. At +110, DraftKings offers the best value of our best sports betting apps. A winning $10 bet pays a profit of $11 if it hits and has a 47.62% implied probability. 

Best odds: +110 via DraftKings

Jeremy Swayman Over 29.5 saves ⭐⭐⭐

With a 5.42 goals-against average, Swayman may have been mistaken for a mere mortal in Games 2 and 3. He allowed nine goals in those two outings, making me doubt my hypothesis of him being the world's most charismatic robot.

But the affable robot returned in Games 4 and 5, making countless wondrous saves to give his team a chance. He'll need to ensure robot mode is switched on for Game 6, as I fear the Bruins will only force a Game 7 with him being at his unerring best.

Swayman made at least 27 saves in Game 1 (38), Game 2 (27), Game 4 (38), and Game 5 (28). The Panthers should come out firing in Game 6 after their letdown at home. If it is close in the latter stages, Swayman should see enough action to get at least 30 saves.

BetMGM and DraftKings offer odds of -115, which imply a 53.49% probability. A winning $10 wager pays a profit of $8.70.

Best odds: -115 via BetMGM

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Panthers vs. Bruins Game 6 odds & info

  • When: Friday, May 17
  • Puck drop: 7 p.m. ET
  • Where: TD Garden (Boston)
  • How to watch: TNT, Sportsnet
  • Favorite: Panthers (-142 via FanDuel)

Panthers-Bruins predictions made Thursday at 12 p.m. ET.

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Written By:
Gary Pearson
Gary Pearson is a sports writer specializing in hockey, soccer, NFL, and tennis coverage. He has 10 years of industry experience and has contributed to various publications, including BetMGM, Covers.com, the Hockey Writers, Yardbarker, NJ.com, the Miami Herald, the Canadian Press, and the Calgary Herald.