NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Table of Contents
Florida Panthers vs Detroit Red Wings Game Preview
The two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers head north to face the surging Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday night at Little Caesars Arena. Both clubs are off to strong starts in the young NHL season, but Detroit enters this matchup riding momentum from back-to-back wins over the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Florida will try to bounce back from its first loss of the year, while Detroit aims to keep building confidence against one of the league’s premier teams. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET on TNT.
Access Over 100 Handicappers Now!
Handicapping Membership
Line Movement and Odds
Florida opened around -135 favorites, but early market action pushed the line to -145, reflecting bettor confidence in the defending champs rebounding. The total remains set at 6.0 goals, with slight juice leaning toward the under.
- Moneyline: Florida −145 / Detroit +123
- Puck Line: Florida −1.5 (+168) / Detroit +1.5 (−208)
- Total: Over/Under 6.0 (Over +101 / Under −123)
For live odds updates and betting splits, check the NHL scores and odds board.
Matchup Breakdown
The Panthers (3-1-0) suffered their first loss of the season Monday, falling 5-2 to Philadelphia after surrendering three late goals. Despite the defeat, Florida’s penalty kill remained perfect — opponents are 0-for-12 on the power play, with Sam Reinhart and Anton Lundell forming one of the league’s most efficient shorthanded duos.
Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky has been sharp early, posting three wins and a .923 save percentage. Offensively, Brad Marchand and Uvis Balinskis have anchored Florida’s top six with steady production, while injuries to key forwards are forcing the team to rely on depth scoring.
The Red Wings (2-1-0), meanwhile, are finding chemistry under head coach Todd McLellan. Goalie Cam Talbot has stabilized Detroit’s back end, stopping 38 shots in Monday’s 3-2 win at Toronto. New additions Mason Appleton and James van Riemsdyk have made immediate impacts, combining for three points in their debut as Red Wings.
The concern for Detroit is star winger Lucas Raymond, who suffered an upper-body injury and is questionable to play. Without him, the Red Wings may struggle to generate sustained offensive pressure against Florida’s disciplined forecheck.
Injuries and Conditions
Florida Panthers
- Aleksander Barkov (C) — Out (knee)
- Matthew Tkachuk (LW) — Out (lower body)
- Tomáš Nosek (LW) — Out (knee)
- Dmitry Kulikov (D) — Out (upper body)
Detroit Red Wings
- Shai Buium (D) — Out (undisclosed)
- Nate Danielson (C) — Out (undisclosed)
- Lucas Raymond (LW) — Questionable (upper body)
The absences of Barkov and Tkachuk take significant scoring off Florida’s top line, while Detroit’s potential loss of Raymond could even the offensive playing field.
Betting Trends
- Florida is 3-1 SU and 3-1 ATS this season.
- Detroit is 2-0 SU as an underdog in 2025.
- Florida has gone Over in 2 of its last 3 games.
- Detroit has gone Under in 2 of its last 3 games.
- Florida is undefeated on the penalty kill through four games.
Best Bets and Prediction
Detroit’s recent surge gives them confidence, but Florida’s elite defensive systems and goaltending depth should steady the ship after their first setback. Expect a tight, disciplined contest with limited high-danger scoring chances.
- Moneyline Lean: Florida −145
- Total Lean: Under 6.0 (−123)
- Projected Score: Florida 4 – Detroit 2
The model projects exactly 6 goals, but the edge lies with Florida’s defensive structure and special-teams advantage.
Score a touchdown on every bet!
Access Thousands of Picks Today!
Handicappers and Service Play
The consensus among verified NHL handicappers leans toward Florida ML and Under 6.0, citing the Panthers’ disciplined defense and Detroit’s potential scoring loss without Lucas Raymond.
If you’re betting this matchup — or any NHL game this week — don’t follow the noise. Follow verified results.
Every expert on our platform is ranked by profit, ROI, and win streaks, giving you full transparency before you buy a pick.
Check the Best Handicappers Leaderboard to see which NHL experts are winning right now — and get the edge before puck drop.
For more hockey insights, explore the NHL picks page for daily predictions and in-depth previews.
