NHL Predictions: May 17 w/ Florida Panthers vs Boston Bruins

Welcome back to another day of NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head and other factors that may play in. We also have a featured game of the day, which is considered must-watch TV. Today’s featured game is the Boston Bruins vs Florida Panthers. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs roll on.

NHL Predictions

Florida Panthers vs Boston Bruins

Series Head-to-Head: Panthers 3-2 Bruins

TV: TNT, TruTV, Sportsnet, TVAS, Sportsnet, CBC

Our opening and featured game of NHL predictions has the Panthers trying to close out the Bruins. Sergei Bobrovsky is once again expected to get the start for the Panthers, who are looking to make their second straight Eastern Conference Final. Florida was frustrated by Jeremy Swayman in Game 5. However, the Cats have won both previous meetings in Boston this series. Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk each have totaled 13 points for the Panthers this post-season. Carter Verhaeghe leads Florida in goals with six in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Swayman should draw the start in this one, but always check social media to confirm a fantasy starter. Linus Ullmark has surprisingly not made a start in this series despite some calls for it. Brad Marchand has missed the last two games, but could play in this do-or-die Game 6. Jake DeBrusk and Marchand are tied for the team lead in points with 10 so far this post-season. Pavel Zacha has four assists over the last 10 games. However, the rest of the supporting cast is going to need to step up to force a winner-take-all Game 7 in Sunrise.

Boston getting Marchand back would be a huge lift. However, Florida books a date with the New York Rangers with a win.

Prediction: Panthers win 4-2.

Dallas Stars vs Colorado Avalanche

Series Head-to-Head: Stars 3-2 Avalanche

TV: TNT, TruTV, Sportsnet, SN1, TVAS

Our final game of NHL predictions has the Dallas Stars trying to finish off the Colorado Avalanche in Game 6. Jake Oettinger will once again get the call in between the pipes for the Stars. Dallas had been playing solid defence after the first game. However, the Colorado offence came alive to fend off elimination in Game 5. Miro Heiskanen leads the team in points with 13 while Jason Robertson and Wyatt Johnston are following close behind. The team did miss Roope Hintz in Game 5 and hopes that he can return to the lineup.

Colorado is expected to go with Alexandar Georgiev once again in the blue paint. The Avalanche finally got some production out of Cale Makar, who roared back for a pair of goals in the last game. Makar had been held without a point in the previous three games. Nathan MacKinnon also came up huge in Game 5 for the Avalanche. Jonathan Drouin has also returned to the lineup and it was a much-needed one. Makar and MacKinnon each have 14 points to lead the team with Mikko Rantanen right behind with 13 points for Colorado.

Dallas has been strong at making adjustments when confronted with trouble this post-season. The Stars book their spot in the last four.

Prediction: Stars win 4-3.

Prop Bets of the Night

We have a couple of prop bets to get you through tonight’s action. We like Sam Reinhart to get the over on +0.5 goals for the Panthers while we suggest David Pastrnak with the over on +0.5 points.

In the late game, go with MacKinnon to get the over on +0.5 assists and we think the same thing will work with Jason Robertson.

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