FLA vs. ANA Pick: ANA ML

Florida has a big hole to fill tonight, and Anaheim has the forwards to make it hurt. With Aleksander Barkov and Brad Marchand out, the Panthers head into this matchup missing two players who can make an opponent’s night miserable. We’re taking the home underdog here: Anaheim moneyline at +114.

Barkov’s absence is the biggest piece of the bet. Losing him means more than taking a scorer out of the lineup. Florida also loses a center who can spend a shift shutting down the opposition’s best players, then turn around and create a chance himself. That makes this an opportunity for Leo Carlsson and the Ducks to get their offense going without having to fight through that matchup all evening.

Carlsson already got his season started with a goal and an assist in Friday’s 4–3 win over Vegas. Beckett Sennecke scored as well, and Anaheim built a four-goal lead before the Golden Knights came charging back. There was plenty to like about getting that far ahead on the road. The finish was a reminder that this team still has work to do.

The Ducks were outshot 30–20 and nearly watched the whole lead disappear. They can’t spend long stretches trapped in their own end tonight and expect Florida’s injuries to bail them out. Anaheim has its own absences, too, with Troy Terry, Drew Helleson and Ian Moore unavailable. The Panthers still have enough talent to punish a sloppy change or a puck handed over in the wrong place.

We’re looking for Anaheim to keep attacking rather than let Florida dictate the game. Carlsson and the young forwards give the Ducks a chance to make the Panthers defend, and the home matchup puts them in a reasonable position to follow up Friday’s win. At plus money, that’s a chance we’re willing to take.

SLS Daily Pick: Anaheim Ducks ML (+114). Playable at +110 or better.