Panthers vs Canucks October 28 NHL Prediction: Can Florida Maintain Torrid Scoring Pace?

• Florida Panthers have averaged 4.66 goals per game during 4-0-2 run
• Panthers have earned at least a point in each of their past eight outings
• Vancouver Canucks look to rebound following their first home defeat of the season, a 6-5 shootout loss to Washington on Friday night

The Florida Panthers will be looking to maintain the steady scoring pace that has lifted them to victory in four of their past six outings when they visit the Vancouver Canucks on Monday night as +110 underdogs in the Panthers vs Canucks odds.

Florida Panthers vs Vancouver Canucks Odds

Odds taken on October 28, 2019

Panthers Filling the Net during Points Streak

Florida is coming off a decisive 6-2 victory in Edmonton on Sunday, and has tallied 4.66 goals per game during the 4-0-2 run it takes into Monday night’s Panthers vs Canucks matchup at Rogers Arena. Overall, the Panthers have earned at least a point in eight straight games, going 3-0-3 on the road during that stretch, and their high-scoring ways have fueled a 4-1-1 run for the “Over” in totals betting.

Panthers score three times in two minutes, hand Oilers first home loss. MORE: https://t.co/OwDVdfnO65 pic.twitter.com/0T44S2bqox

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) October 27, 2019

However, the Panthers have struggled of late in the second half of back-to-back contests, falling to defeat in six of eight since early February. Goal production has also tapered off on the second night of back-to-back games, with  Florida shooters averaging just two goals per game over their past five.

That trend extends to recent dates with the Canucks, with Florida scoring just three total goals during a two-game losing streak against the Canucks, and just 2.2 goals per game over their past five meetings.

Panthers Overcoming Slow Starts

The team’s top scorers have also been largely quiet when playing in the second half of a back-to-back. Aleksander Barkov and Jonathan Huberdeau have combined for just a single point in two games played with no days rest. However, the two stars are currently on a tear, combining to rack up 12 total points over the club’s past three outings.

Through 10 games this season, Florida's top line of Jonathan Huberdeau, Aleksander Barkov and Evgenii Dadonov has combined for 32 points (10-22-32). #FlaPanthers pic.twitter.com/SVKmE2rABz

— David Dwork (@DavidDwork) October 27, 2019

Despite their recent steady point production and goal scoring, the Panthers have been slow starters in recent outings, failing to pot a first-period goal in each of their past four games.

Despite their recent steady point production and goal-scoring, the Panthers have been slow starters in recent outings, failing to pot a first-period goal in each of their past four games. That’s good news for the Canucks, who return to action on Monday night pegged as narrow -125 home favorites.

Canucks Look to Rebound from First Home Loss

The Canucks are coming off a 6-5 shootout loss to the visiting Washington Capitals on Friday night that marked their first defeat on home ice this season. Vancouver blew a 5-1 second period lead on their way to defeat as a -115 bet in Friday’s matchup, but have otherwise overachieved in the early going of the season, earning at least a point in seven of eight outings while piling up a 6-3-1 record.

Nicklas Backstrom's shootout winner completes an impressive comeback for the Capitals over the Canucks.pic.twitter.com/UIvtYOOqKq

— 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 Canada (@sportingnewsca) October 26, 2019

Vancouver has been regularly forced to overcome early-game deficits, surrendering the first goal in five of their past six outings. However, the Canucks have played stingy hockey on home ice since late last season, limiting opponents to just 11 total goals in six straight wins prior to Friday’s shootout loss.

Markstrom vs Montembeault

Jacob Markstrom is expected to get the call for the Canucks on Monday night. Markstrom is coming off his worst outing of the season in Friday’s loss to Washington, allowing five goals on 29 shots after surrendering just 13 total goals in five previous starts. The 29-year-old also backstopped the Canucks to a 5-1 victory in Florida’s last trip to Vancouver, ending a three-game losing streak against the team that drafted him 31st overall in the 2008 NHL Draft.

“I’m so proud of that kid. In the shootout he was outstanding. We’ve seen it in practice. He’s great in shootouts, and tonight was no different.” – [Vincent] Trocheck on [Sam] Montembeault

The Cats top the Predators 3-2 in a shootout victory! >> https://t.co/2yNTBaTKW8 pic.twitter.com/wJz7FLDZ3M

— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) October 20, 2019

The Canucks are likely to get their first-ever look at Samuel Montembault, who is expected to be between the pipes for Florida on Monday night. The rookie netminder has made two previous starts, both on the road and in the second half of back-to-back games, and has been steady while compiling a 1.79 goals-against average and 1-0-1 record.

Picks: Panthers to win (+110), Under 6.5 (-115)