Islanders vs. Panthers prediction: NHL odds, picks, best bets for Saturday

The New York Islanders will be desperate for a win Saturday night.

Although the Isles played well in their last two games, they’ve got nothing to show for it and face an uphill climb to get themselves back into a playoff spot.

It’s not hopeless for Patrick Roy and his charges, but they cannot afford to drop two more points before a long break before All-Star Weekend.

The Isles are slight underdogs for Saturday’s contest against the Florida Panthers at the time of writing.

Islanders vs. Panthers prediction

(7:30 p.m ET, ESPN+)

There’s a growing consensus among the betting community that the Florida Panthers deserve to be the favorite to win the Eastern Conference.

Florida’s record may lag behind the Boston Bruins, but there are no real weaknesses on this roster at the current moment.

The Panthers are dangerous and deep up front, the defense has been terrific and the goaltending tandem of Sergei Bobrovsky and Anthony Stolarz has quietly been one of the most effective duos in the NHL.

Florida’s statistical profile at 5-on-5 is also elite as the Cats rank second in shot attempt rate, third in expected goal differential and second in high-danger scoring chance rate.

Top to bottom, this is an elite team.

Mackie Samoskevich #25 of the Florida Panthers skates with the puck. NHLI via Getty ImagesThe Islanders’ profile pales in comparison to Florida’s, but it does look like the Isles are starting to turn a corner under Roy.

The Isles tilted the ice against Vegas and Montreal at 5-on-5, but just couldn’t capitalize and made one too many mistakes.

Now isn’t the time for moral victories, but the Isles should feel pretty confident that their game is heading in the right direction.

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Additionally, the Islanders catch the Panthers in a terrific spot Saturday.

Florida will play in Pittsburgh on Friday and then travel to Long Island. Then the Cats, like the Isles, are off for a week before the All-Star break.

The Panthers are the better team, but the Islanders are improving and have been dealt a terrific spot Saturday night.

The Bet: Islanders(+112, BetRivers Sportsbook) | Play to +100