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Panthers vs. Sabres Prediction and Odds (Total's Too High in Atlantic Division Matchup)

By Iain MacMillan

The Panthers and Sabres will face-off in Sunday afternoon NHL action.
The Panthers and Sabres will face-off in Sunday afternoon NHL action. / Joel Auerbach/GettyImages
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There's not a whole lot to bet on this Sunday afternoon, so if you're like me and looking for some action, consider today's NHL matchup between the Florida Panthers and Buffalo Sabres.

The Panthers became the first team in the Eastern Conference to win 100 points, and now have a strangle hold on the Atlantic Division; leading the second-place Maple Leafs by 7 points. Their main concern now is to clinch the top spot in the conference, which allows them to match up with the second wild card team in the first round of the playoffs.

They can take another step towards achieving that with a win today over the Sabres. Let's take a look at the odds for the game, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

Panthers vs. Sabres Odds and Total

Moneyline:

  • Panthers -240
  • Sabres +200

Puck line:

  • Panthers -1.5 (+115)
  • Sabres +1.5 (-135)

Total:

  • 7 (Over +110/Under -130)

Panthers vs. Sabres Betting Trends

  • The OVER is 6-1 in the Panthers' last seven games vs. Eastern Conference opponents.
  • Panthers are 12-3 in their last 15 games.
  • Panthers are 4-1 in their last five road games.
  • The OVER is 5-1 in the Sabres' last six games.
  • Sabres are 5-13 in last 18 games vs. Atlantic Division opponents.

Panthers vs. Sabres Prediction and Pick

With the Panthers rightfully being massive betting favorites, it's best to look at the total in this afternoon matchup. It can be hard to justify an UNDER bet in a game involving the Panthers, who are an OVER bettors dream, but with the total set at an extremely high number of seven, there's reasons to be convinced the UNDER is the play.

Despite the recent OVER trends for the Sabres, they're stronger defensively than offensively. Over their last 25 games, They're 27th in the NHL in expected goals per 60 minutes, but rank ninth in expected goals against per 60 minutes.

Buffalo is also 21st in the league in shooting percentage, so the Sabres may struggle to find the back of the net this afternoon.

Pick: Panthers/Sabres UNDER 7 (-130)

You can track Iain's bets on BetStamp here.

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