The Dallas Stars and Florida Panthers, both considered Stanley Cup contenders, will face off in the NHL Global Series this Friday in Finland. This will be the first of two consecutive games between the teams and the oddsmakers are considering this matchup to be a pick’em.

Panthers vs Stars odds

• Florida Panthers Money Line: -110
• Dallas Stars money line: -110
• Puck line: Panthers +1.5 (-250), Stars -1.5 (+200)
• Total game: 6 (over -105, under -115)

All odds via Sports Interaction.

Matchup

The Florida Panthers show no signs of Stanley Cup disaster, with a record of 7-4 in a row that puts them atop the Atlantic Division. Dallas also got off to a strong start, going 7-2 and is currently tied with Minnesota for second place in the Central Division.

Both teams had solid puck line betting, with the Stars 5-4 and the Panthers 5-6 against the puck line. In the last six meetings, the two teams have claimed separate victories, although Florida won both meetings last season. This should be a competitive duel between two teams of equal strength, especially because home advantage on the neutral playing field does not play a role.

Since 2007, the home team has gone 17-21 in consecutive games played outside North America.

Handicap Panthers vs. Stars

Based on their records, there isn’t much difference between Dallas and Florida, but their underlying metrics tell a different story. The Panthers are among the top five teams in shot attempt percentage and among the top 10 teams in expected goals percentage at even strength. Dallas, on the other hand, ranks 20th in expected goals but still controlled the majority of shots.

Dallas is 2-5-2 under, while Florida is 8-3 under the over and has scored seven or more goals in five of the last six meetings. Both clubs are among the top 10 teams in goals conceded, but no team has allowed fewer goals per 60 minutes than the Stars. Of course, the way both coaches use their goalkeeping tandems could influence how many goals are scored in a given game.

Jake Oettinger, who was announced as the starter on Friday, is playing like a legitimate Vezina Trophy contender with a .938 save percentage and 1.84 goals-against average. According to Evolving Hockey, Oettinger ranks third in goals saved above expectations among goaltenders who have played at least 100 minutes.

However, if there’s one member of the Panthers who could be suffering from a Stanley Cup hangover, it’s Sergei Bobrovsky. The veteran goalkeeper posted the fourth-worst mark in goals saved above expectations. Casey DeSmith is also performing as a much better backup than Spencer Martin, giving the goalies an edge for the Stars in the Global Series.

My best choice

Wyatt Johnston Anytime Goal (+300) at Sports Interaction

While some sportsbooks are giving star forward Wyatt Johnston odds of +220 or even +175 to score on Friday, Sports Interaction is giving him odds of +300, making the bet worthwhile. Johnston leads all stars in ice time, expected goals and unblocked shot attempts. He also ranks third on the team in shots made. Johnston has only scored one goal in his first nine games, but he has scored 24 and 32 goals in his first two seasons, respectively, and it’s only a matter of time before he’s out.

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