The Florida Panthers (5-2-2) and Ottawa Senators (6-3-0) meet Wednesday in Ottawa, Canada. Puck drop at Canadian Tire Centre is set for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let's analyze NHL odds around the Panthers vs. Senators odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
2025-26 season series: Panthers won 3-1, taking both games at home
The Panthers picked up their third straight win Saturday, crushing the Seattle Kraken 8-3 as -185 home favorites with the Over (6.5) easily cashing. Florida has outscored opponents 18-8 during its winning streak. C Carter Verhaeghe recorded a natural hat trick, while C Sam Bennett scored his first 3 goals of the season. The Panthers also made NHL history, becoming the first team to record natural hat tricks in 3 consecutive
games.
The Senators came up short Saturday, falling 3-1 to the Philadelphia Flyers as -166 road favorites with the Under (5.5) cashing. RW Drake Batherson scored Ottawa’s lone goal in the first period, finishing a 2-on-1 rush off a pass from former C Claude Giroux. G Linus Ullmark stopped 25 of 27 shots, but the Senators couldn’t generate enough offense to mount a comeback.
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Panthers at Senators odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:01 a.m.
- Moneyline (ML): Panthers -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Senators -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
- Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Panthers +1.5 (-275) | Senators -1.5 (+220)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: -105 | U: -115)
Panthers at Senators projected goalies
Akira Schmid (2-1-1, 3.24 GAA, .876 SV%) vs. Linus Ullmark (6-1-0, 1.33 GAA, .927 SV%)
With Jacob Markstrom sidelined, Florida will turn to Schmid in net. Schmid has won his last 2 starts, most recently stopping 16 of 18 shots against the Vancouver Canucks Thursday. He's also enjoyed success against Ottawa throughout his career, posting a 2-0-1 record in 3 regular-season appearances against the Senators, along with an impressive 1.73 GAA and .927 SV%.
Ullmark suffered his first loss of the season Saturday against Philadelphia, allowing 2 goals on 27 shots. Despite the setback, Ullmark has enjoyed plenty of success against Florida throughout his career. In 21 regular-season appearances against the Panthers, he owns a 14-6-1 record with a 2.79 GAA and an impressive .920 SV%.
Panthers at Senators picks and predictions
Prediction
Senators 4, Panthers 3
Moneyline
BET SENATORS (-110).
Ottawa has several advantages over a shorthanded Panthers team. Florida will be without Markstrom in net, leaving Schmid to handle the workload. Schmid has struggled with inconsistency. The Panthers are also dealing with several key injuries, including the absences of C Aleksander Barkov and C Brad Marchand, although their offense remains dangerous.
The Senators counter with Ullmark, who has enjoyed plenty of success against Florida. Ottawa should also benefit from a lively home crowd as former captain Brady Tkachuk returns as an opponent.
With Florida missing key contributors and facing uncertainty in net, the Senators should get the victory Wednesday night in Canada.
Puck line/Against the spread
PASS.
No need to play with the puck line when you are getting good odds on the moneyline with the Senators.
Over/Under
BET OVER 6 (-105).
Florida has been scoring plenty of goals, averaging 3.33 per game, but the Panthers have also struggled defensively. Their recent games have featured plenty of offense, including an 8-3 victory over Seattle. With backup Schmid posting a 3.25 GAA, Ottawa should find scoring opportunities. Both teams have enough offensive firepower to make this a high-scoring matchup.
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This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: Florida Panthers at Ottawa Senators odds, picks and predictions
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