Free Picks: Florida Panthers vs. Chicago Blackhawks

Patrick Trudeau
By: Patrick Trudeau
05/02/2021
NHL Free Picks – Best Bets of the Week
Blackhawks vs Panthers NHL week 16
Florida Panthers vs Chicago Blackhawks, NHL, United Center

Everyone knows the key to success is the first period. For this free pick, I take a look at the puck line between the Blackhawks and Panthers. Florida’s puck-line has been a success for me in previous bets, so I look to keep drinking from the well. How will that go? Only time will tell.

The key to success is scoring early.

Getting the early lead on your opponent can dramatically impact the rest of the game. When a team has to trail in the opening period, that affects the outcome of the contest.

For this free NHL prediction, I want to take a look at how strong the Panthers have been in the first period this season.

Statistically, the Panthers’ first period is their lowest-scoring period of the game. That may concern you as I take a look at the puck line, but with Chicago boasting similar numbers in terms of the first period being their lowest-scoring period, I think we could catch fire with this bet.

The Blackhawks rank in the lower third of the NHL in terms of goals against, which is a positive. On top of that, Chicago has scored only 38 of their 140 goals this season in the first period. So, while this may not be the best period for the Panthers in terms of goal production, the Blackhawks are significantly worse.

This season, the opposing team has tallied more shots against the Blackhawks in the first period, so Chicago is on their heels in the first 20 minutes.

Florida is also one of the highest-scoring teams in the NHL, so I think we see a quick start from the Panthers in this game. Defensively, the Panthers are strong right out of the gate.

Of the 142 goals allowed this season, only 40 have come in the first period.

Florida can bury relatively well in the first period. Adding to that fact, the first frame is their best in terms of goals allowed. Those two facts give me great confidence in this BetPicks Prediction.

I think Florida handles Chicago in the first frame. From there, anything can happen, but I am only worried about the first period.

10bet review
FREE PICKS: Florida Panthers' 1st Period Puck Line -0.5
+145

Stats

  • Florida has scored 26% of all goals in the first period.
  • The Panthers rank 3rd in total goals.
  • Chicago has allowed 40 goals in the first period.
  • Chicago ranks 23rd in total goals against.

have always wanted to be a writer and sports are my favorite thing in the world, so I combined the two to make a career. I have been a long-time gambler and sports betting writer that isn't afraid to look at the underdog or specials. I am covering the NHL, MLB and NCAA Football for BetPicks.ca and am a huge fan of both sports - as well as many others. Follow me on Twitter (@Patrick_Trudeau) so we can talk betting, sports, or why ketchup DOES belong on Poutine.

NHL Eastern Metropolitan

 

TeamWLOT%
1Carolina54208.707
2NY Rangers52246.671
3Pittsburgh462511.628
4Washington442612.610
5NY Islanders373510.512
6Columbus37387.494
7New Jersey27469.384
8Philadelphia254611.372

 

NHL Eastern Atlantic

TeamWLOT%
1Florida58186.744
2Toronto54217.701
3Tampa Bay51238.671
4Boston51265.652
5Buffalo323911.457
6Detroit324010.451
7Ottawa33427.445
8Montréal224911.335

 

NHL - Western Central

TeamWLOT%
1Colorado56197.726
2Minnesota53227.689
3St Louis492211.665
4Dallas46306.598
5Nashville45307.591
6Winnipeg393211.543
7Chicago284212.415
8Arizona25507.348

 

NHL - Western Pacific

TeamWLOT%
1Calgary502111.677
2Edmonton49276.634
3Los Angeles442711.604
4Vegas43318.573
5Vancouver403012.561
6San Jose323713.470
7Anaheim313714.463
8Seattle27496.366

 

2021-22 Season
Regular season beginsOctober 12
All-Star & Winter Games breakFebruary 3-22
Trade deadlineMarch 21
Final day of regular seasonApril 29
Stanley Cup Playoffs beginMay 2
Last possible day for PlayoffsJune 30
2022 NHL DraftJuly 7