🏒 Panthers vs. Devils Prediction & Odds: NHL Picks Today (March 3)

It appears the Florida Panthers will become the sixth team to win the Stanley Cup and then miss the playoffs.

The prospect of that dubious dishonor should spur them into action, which I'm banking on in my Panthers vs. Devils prediction for today's contest at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. (7 p.m. ET, TNT).  

The game is a pick'em, with both teams at -110 odds. I expect playoff-like desperation, which should make chances hard to come by. Sam Bennett, meanwhile, could extend his mini goal-scoring streak to three games. 

🏒 Panthers vs. Devils picks & odds today: March 3

See all of our experts' NHL picks based on the latest NHL odds; picks rated on a 1-to-5 star confidence scale based on betting value.

Total wagered: 4 units | Max profit: 3.55 units

💰 Panthers vs. Devils prediction & best bet

Under 6 (-140)

The previous seven Devils games had five goals or fewer, which paints a pretty clear picture. They can't score, netting one or fewer five times, but can defend with the best of them, at least recently. 

The Panthers, meanwhile, are on the opposite side of the spectrum, with nine of their previous 11 seeing at least six goals. However, the Panthers will be forced to trigger desperation mode on Tuesday in a game that should resemble playoff hockey.

Playing one of the stingiest teams over the last month will help wake that sleeping defensive beast. 

Score prediction: Panthers 3, Devils 2

🔥 Best Panthers vs. Devils player prop bet

Sam Bennett Over 2.5 shots (-145) & anytime goal (+210)

Bennett hit the Over on this total in seven of the previous nine road games. Since the restart, he fired at least two shots on goal in two of three contests, failing to do so against the surging Buffalo Sabres on Friday. 

The odds are obviously short, so I'm putting 2 units on the wager to optimize the potential return.

With the Devils playing such excellent defensive hockey, Bennett to muster 3 shots is one of the best betting options on the board. The -145 price offered at DraftKings is at the outer limit of what I'd be willing to play. 

For his anytime goal prop, Bennett has three goals in the last two games and is heating up. 

📊 Live Panthers vs. Devils odds

The odds in this pick'em haven't moved at all. Both teams at BetMGM are receiving -110 odds. The Devils are 1-4-0 in their previous five home games, while the Panthers have lost three in a row on the road. 

💡 How I'm betting Panthers vs. Devils

Follow all of our NHL analysis and expert predictions this season.

As you can see, I'm playing this game as cautiously as an 80-year-old driving on a busy highway. That can either get you to where you're going, albeit slowly, or end up disastrously. 

I'm banking on the former. Neither team is performing well, but I expect a desperate Panthers team to be slightly better than an equally meek Devils side. 

I'm more confident in playing Under 6 goals because of what the game means to both teams. Neither can afford a loss, which demands better defensive hockey.

The Devils are one of the best at locking things down, and the defending Cup champions have it in them to showcase the same level of elite defensive hockey. It's just been missing for most of the season. Each unit is $10. 

🚀 Panthers vs. Devils same-game parlay

📈 Panthers vs. Devils betting trends

🚑 Panthers vs. Devils injuries

📺 How to watch Panthers vs. Devils

• Date: Tuesday, March 3
• Puck drop: 7 p.m. ET
• Location: Prudential Center (Newark, N.J.)
• TV: TNT