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Dec 23, 2022, 11:57 am ET in NHL
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Expert Top Pick of the Day: Florida Panthers at New York Islanders

Top Pick of the Day

The Florida Panthers are still in the process of straightening their current level of performance.

The Panthers are now sixth overall in the Atlantic Division and looking to climb higher in the standings. However, with an even 15-15-4 season record, the reality is starting to look more and more challenging for Florida.

The Panthers are now ready to head north, where they will face the New York Islanders at UBS Arena in Elmont tonight. As for the Islanders, the story is quite similar.

New York is still in the sixth spot of the Metropolitan Division. However, with an 18-14-2 season record, the Islanders also want to climb higher in the division standings.

With yet another chance to do so at home, New York might have a slight lead which they might make the most of tonight.

 

Florida Panthers vs. New York Islanders Schedule

 

  • Date: Friday, December 23, 2022
  • Time: 07:30 PM EST
  • Location: UBS Arena, Elmont, NY

 

Tkachuk’s Panthers Still Trying to Rise in Division Standings

The good news for the Panthers is that there is still plenty of time. An even season record is not the ultimate indicator that Florida’s season is effectively over.

The climb to the top is steep, though. The Panthers are now close to getting their third straight defeat. In their last five games, the Panthers are 2-3.

With intentions of not sliding into a losing streak, all eyes are now on Matthew Tkachuk to lead Florida. Tkachuk is now standing with 25 assists and 14 goals for 39 points.

 

Nelson’s Islanders Hope to Break Away from Losing Streak

The Islanders appear to be in the same spot as the Panthers. With two straight defeats against the Rangers and the Avalanche, the Panthers are trying to find a clear path to victory starting tonight.

The Islanders have pulled solid wins against some of the league’s top teams. Before falling to the Rangers and the Avalanche, the Islanders pulled a 5-2 win against the Vegas Golden Knights.

However, before that win, New York suffered three straight defeats. As a result, the pressure is now on top talent such as Brock Nelson. He is now standing with 15 goals and 18 assists for a total of 33 points.

  

Florida Panthers vs. New York Islanders Odds Comparison

The Panthers are ready to match up against the Islanders tonight. For Florida, the total has gone under in four of their last five games. As for New York, the total has gone over in four of their previous five games.

 

  • DraftKings has the Panthers at -120, and the total is 6.5.
  • FanDuel has the Panthers at -114, and the total is 6.5.
  • Caesars has the Panthers at -115, and the total is 6.5.

 

Godds Pick or Prediction of the Game

The Panthers are now 7-10-1 on the road. Their numbers could be worse, which means Florida has performed reasonably away from home. However, they have struggled to keep a solid point balance, and now the team is standing with 3.29 points in favor versus 3.35 points against.

On the other hand, the Islanders have improved these numbers. New York now stands with a balance of 3.15 points in favor versus 2.79 points against. Their penalty kill percentage is 81.1%, and they convert 20% of their power plays.

The odds might favor the Panthers, given New York’s latest losing streak. However, the Islanders might have what it takes to win tonight.

Godds Pick/Prediction: The Islanders win, and the over hits.