Florida (44-26-3) at Montreal (34-30-9)
- When: Apr 1 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: Bell Centre, Montreal, QC, CAN
- TV: SCRIPPS
Panthers vs Canadiens Preview & Prediction
Moneyline Favorite: Florida -160 | Total: 6.0 Goals
The Florida Panthers are priced as solid -180 moneyline favorites with a total set at 6.0 as they welcome the slumping Montreal Canadiens to Sunrise on Sunday afternoon. While Florida aims to keep their stronghold on a playoff position, the Canadiens are clinging to postseason hopes despite dropping five straight.
Montreal Canadiens Outlook
Montreal (33-30-9, 75 points) is locked in a tight battle for the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot but has been trending in the wrong direction. They’ve dropped five straight, including back-to-back losses against Philadelphia and Carolina on Thursday and Friday, respectively. With the schedule tightening, each loss is putting added pressure on a young squad still finding consistency.
Despite the struggles, Montreal’s recent success against Florida — including a 3-1 win back on March 15 — offers a glimmer of hope. Sam Montembeault was solid in that game, stopping 21 of 22 shots. The Habs will need another strong performance in net and a high-energy forecheck, which defenseman Kaiden Guhle cited as the team’s “identity” and key to success.
Offensively, Montreal has struggled to finish in recent outings, and unless they rediscover their aggressive, disruptive style, keeping pace with Florida’s depth could be a tall order.
Florida Panthers Outlook
Florida (44-25-3, 91 points) has responded well after a brief slump, winning two straight — both at home — and extending their home win streak to seven games. Most recently, they edged out Utah in overtime, and previously handled Pittsburgh in a shootout, proving they can win close, gritty contests down the stretch.
The Panthers’ penalty kill has also been stellar, going 35-for-39 this month. That’s been a crucial part of their defensive resurgence, especially as the offense adapts to recent roster moves. The addition of veteran Brad Marchand from Boston adds another layer of experience and bite to Florida’s attack. In his Panthers debut, Marchand immediately made an impact with the primary assist on the overtime winner.
With the Canadiens limping in and Florida building momentum at home, the edge clearly leans toward the home team.
Betting Predictions
Moneyline Pick: Florida Panthers (-180) — The Panthers are red-hot at home and face a Canadiens team struggling to generate offense and protect leads.
Total Pick: Under 6.0 (-120) — Florida has tightened up defensively, and Montreal’s scoring woes may lead to a lower-scoring contest.
Score Prediction: Panthers 3, Canadiens 2
Prop Bets to Watch
Sam Bennett Anytime Goal Scorer — He’s heating up and could benefit from additional space with Marchand now in the lineup.
Sam Montembeault Over Saves — Facing a more potent Panthers offense, expect him to be busy in net.
Panthers to Win by 1 Goal (Winning Margin) — With both teams playing for postseason lives, expect a tight, playoff-style battle.
The Canadiens may be desperate, but the Panthers are dialed in. Florida should come out on top in a hard-fought game that stays under the number.
- NHL Odds source: MYBookie Sportsbook
