The Florida Panthers (1-0-2) and the Los Angeles Kings (0-1-1) meet Tuesday at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. Puck drop is set for 10 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let's analyze NHL odds around the Panthers vs. Kings odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
2025-26 season series: Panthers won 2-0, with 5-2 win in L.A. Nov. 6 as a slight favorite (-110) as the Over (5.5) cashed.
Florida started off with a 1-0 OT win at Carolina, but it has dropped back-to-back games in OT at the San Jose Sharks (4-3 Thursday) and at the Anaheim Ducks (3-2 Sunday). The Under is 2-1 for the Panthers so far.
L.A. has gotten off to a slow start in the post-Anze Kopitar era, but it's not a lack of offense that has been the issue. The Kings have scored 4 goals
in each of the first 2 games. However, they lost 8-4 at the Colorado Avalanche Sept. 30 in the opener, and 5-4 in OT at San Jose Saturday. The Over has cashed in both games.
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Panthers at Kings odds
Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:23 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Panthers -126 (bet $126 to win $100) | Kings +105 (bet $100 to win $105)
- Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Panthers -1.5 (+205) | Kings +1.5 (-265)
- Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -128 | U: +104)
Panthers at Kings projected goalies
Jacob Markstrom (1-0-1, 1.40 GAA, .917 SV%, 1 SO) vs. Darcy Kuemper (0-1-0, 8.00 GAA, .724 SV%)
Markstrom pitched a shutout in the opener at Carolina, a 1-0 OTW, and the 36-year-old Swede followed that up with a 3-2 OTL in Anaheim Sunday. He hasn't faced a lot of pressure in his 2 starts, allowing just 35 shots, but that could change against an L.A. team which has taken 64 shots through 2 outings.
Kuemper has an 8.00 GAA, which is something you don't see every day. That's because he took one for the team in the 8-4 loss at Colorado in the opener. He'll obviously chip that down substantially, but he starts in a deep, deep hole.
Panthers at Kings picks and predictions
Prediction
Panthers 4, Kings 3
Moneyline
The PANTHERS (-126) are a strong play on the road, as they play a California team for the third time is as many games. Will we see overtime again? Maybe. Florida has played 3 road games, and it has gone to overtime in each outing, winning once, but picking up 4 points out of a possible 6.
The Kings have scored plenty, but they also allowed plenty. We could be in for a wild ride.
Puck line/Against the spread
The Kings +1.5 (-265) will cost you in excess of 2.5 times your potential return, if you can't take the home team, and you need a little insurance. That's not a recommended betting strategy. If you have that little conviction, stay away.
PASS.
Over/Under
OVER 5.5 (-128) might be the best play on the board.
It's actually shocking that the total is not a flat 6 or higher given the high-scoring ways of L.A., and the fact it is at home. We should see some fire-wagon hockey in this one, with both teams intent on lighting the lamp frequently.
Best prop bet
Kings RW ADRIAN KEMPE UNDER 3.5 SHOTS ON GOAL (-168).
It's a bit on the pricey side, but it's worth it. Remember, in Markstrom's first 2 starts back with Florida, the team has allowed just 35 total shots. The SOG won't be as easy to come by for Kempe and his teammates in this one.
Betting odds calculator
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Follow Daniel Dobish on X at @danieledobish. Follow SportsbookWire on X at SportsBookWire and on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: Florida Panthers at Los Angeles Kings odds, picks and predictions
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