The Florida Panthers (1-0-1) and Anaheim Ducks (1-0-0) meet Sunday in Anaheim, California. Puck drop from Honda Center is set for 8 p.m. ET. Let's analyze NHL odds around the Panthers vs. Ducks odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
2025-26 season series: Ducks won 2-0
The Panthers came up short Thursday, falling 4-3 in overtime as -148 road favorites with the Over (6.5) cashing. G Akira Schmid allowed 4 goals on 32 shots, while C Eetu Luostarinen provided an offensive spark with 2 goals. LW Matthew Tkachuk also found the back of the net, but Florida could not finish the job in OT.
The Ducks opened their season with a 4-3 win at the Vegas Golden Knights Friday, cashing as +180 underdogs while the Over (6.5) hit. C Leo Carlsson, LW
Alex Killorn, LW Jeff Malott and RW Beckett Sennecke each scored for Anaheim, while G Lukas Dostal stopped 27 of 30 shots to earn the victory.
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Panthers at Ducks odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:46 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Panthers -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | Ducks +115 (bet $100 to win $115)
- Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Panthers -1.5 (+170) | Ducks +1.5 (-210)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -118 | U: -102)
Panthers at Ducks projected goalies
Akira Schmid (16-10-6, 2.69 GAA, .893 SV%, 2 SO last season) vs. Lukas Dostal (30-20-4, 3.10 GAA, .888 SV%)
Schmid stopped 28 shots in his season debut Thursday, taking the overtime loss at San Jose. He has struggled against Anaheim during his career, going 0-1-2 in 4 appearances with a 3.54 GAA and .878 SV%.
Dostal allowed 3 goals in Friday’s season-opening 4-3 win over Vegas, holding off a late Golden Knights push. He is 2-1 with a 3.26 GAA and .880 SV% in 3 career starts against Florida. Dostal won both meetings against the Panthers last season, allowing 5 goals on 54 shots.
Panthers at Ducks picks and predictions
Prediction
Ducks 3, Panthers 2
Moneyline
BET DUCKS (+115).
Florida (-135) heads to Anaheim short-handed, creating some value on the home side Sunday. Captain Aleksander Barkov has landed on long-term injured reserve with a leg injury, while LW Brad Marchand (lower body) is also unavailable, leaving the Panthers without 2 important offensive pieces. Anaheim finished with 92 points last season and made the playoffs, while Florida didn't make the postseason with 84 points. Anaheim and was particularly effective when generating consistent offensive pressure, going 30-21-5 when outshooting opponents.
The Ducks also handled close games well, earning 43 points across 32 games decided by 1 goal. Home ice brings another interesting angle as Anaheim has won 10 consecutive home openers and can tie the NHL record with an 11th straight victory.
With Florida missing key pieces and the Ducks coming home with some early confidence, the +115 PRICE provides enough upside to take a shot on ANAHEIM.
Puck line/Against the spread
PASS.
No need to bet the puck line when we're getting Anaheim at plus odds on the moneyline.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 6.5 (-102).
Florida enters without big offensive pieces, leaving an already average offense without 2 important weapons. The Panthers ranked 19th with 250 goals last season (per NHL.com) and generated only 26 shots in their last game.
Anaheim should also get another solid effort from Dostal, who has played well against Florida recently. Those factors point toward a lower-scoring matchup in Anaheim.
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This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: Florida Panthers at Anaheim Ducks odds, picks and predictions
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