🏒 Panthers vs. Islanders Prediction & Odds: NHL Picks Today (March 1)

The New York Islanders look for their fifth straight win when they host the Florida Panthers on Sunday night.

But my Panthers vs. Islanders prediction targets the road team, given the advantage Florida has in goal today. I'm providing a score prediction alongside my top player prop bet for the matchup. Puck drop is tonight at 6:30 p.m. ET from UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y. (ESPN), with the Panthers a -150 moneyline betting favorite.

🏒 Panthers vs. Islanders picks & odds today: March 1

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: 2.5 units | Max profit: 2.54 units

💰 Panthers vs. Islanders prediction & best bet

Over 5.5 (-130)

The Over has hit in seven of the Panthers' last 10 games, and Florida won't have to contend with the Vezina Trophy odds favorite today.

The Islanders enter the matchup in great form, winning four in a row and seven of their last 10 games, but won't have top goaltender Ilya Sorokin between the pipes. David Rittich starting makes Over 5.5 a five-star play for me. I bet the total at DraftKings' -130 odds but would back off it if New York names Sorokin the starter (unlikely, as he played last night).

Score prediction: Panthers 4, Islanders 2

🔥 Best Panthers vs. Islanders player prop bet

Mathew Barzal Over 0.5 assists (-105)

Mathew Barzal has played at a high level this season, especially as a setup man. He leads the Islanders in assists and has five helpers across his previous four games.

Barzal has been putting the puck in the net at a decent clip as well - but if he's going to get involved in the scoring today, it's most likely to come by setting up a teammate for a goal. I bet Barzal to tally a helper at DraftKings' -105 odds.

📊 Live Panthers vs. Islanders odds

David Rittich is the expected starting goalie for the Islanders today, which is why the Panthers are a road betting favorite. I wouldn't expect that to change unless Ilya Sorokin is somehow in net for New York come puck drop.

💡 How I'm betting Panthers vs. Islanders

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

Bankroll management is a crucial element for a long-term, successful betting strategy.

I'm wagering 2.5 units on Panthers vs. Islanders today, divided amongst the three plays. I'm looking to take advantage of the Islanders playing the second night of a back-to-back without their elite goalie by betting a full unit on the Over, alongside a full-unit wager on Barzal to continue his hot streak by picking up an assist. There isn't much value to be had on Barzal picking up a point of any kind, but I see some value in the Panthers winning by at least two goals today on the road.

🚀 Panthers vs. Islanders same-game parlay

My 3-leg parlay is built on the Panthers covering the puck line, the game featuring at least six goals, and Mathew Barzal tallying an assist. Parlays are difficult to hit and more for enjoyment, which is why I only place 0.2 units on them.

📈 Panthers vs. Islanders betting trends

🚑 Panthers vs. Islanders injuries

📺 How to watch Panthers vs. Islanders

• Date: Sunday, March 1
• Puck drop: 6:30 p.m. ET
• Location: UBS Arena (Elmont, N.Y.)
• TV: ESPN