The Vancouver Canucks and Florida Panthers open the season oppositely. Canucks haven’t won in the opening three games despite forcing overtime twice. With Brock Boeser and Conor Garland scoring four and two assists, their attack has just eight goals. Elias Pettersson had a great season last year, and the rest of the offence has failed. The defense has allowed 12 goals in three games, and goalie Arturs Silovs has allowed nine out of 53 shots.
On the other hand, the Florida Panthers have found their stride after two early defeats, securing two consecutive wins. This winning streak has propelled them near the top of the Atlantic Division with a 3-2 record. The team’s attack, led by Sam Reinhart, Sam Bennett, and Anton Lundell, has been impressive, averaging 3.40 goals per game. However, the defense, which has allowed 3.60 goals per game, needs to tighten up to prevent open opportunities. Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky has faced his own challenges, conceding nine goals on 85 shots.
Given the defensive concerns and form of both teams, a close game is expected. Both sides will likely focus on tightening up their defense in the second quarter, making a prediction of under 2 goals seem reasonable.