By all advanced metrics, the Panthers are one of, if not the, best team in the NHL. Yes the Bruins have the best record, but are they truly the best? Florida has a better Expected Goal percentage, better shot attempts percentage both regular and unblocked, more expected goals for, more expected goals per 60 and a higher expected differential per 60. Boston has been riding their goaltending and defense to wins. They have allowed 10 total goals during this 7 game winning streak. None of the teams they played however, have the offensive firepower that the Panthers do. The best offense they faced all year besides an early tilt vs the Panthers, was the Penguins who scored 5 goals on them. Florida has averaged 3.75 goals per game in their last 8 games and is starting to look like the team everyone thought they would be coming into the season. Going back to that first matchup with Boston early on, I brush that off because Florida was introducing new pieces to its lines and it was going to take them some time to figure it all out. Now they have and they look like one of the top teams in hockey. I’ll back them at home tonight.

11/23/2022 1:06 PM