Free NHL Picks Today: Florida Panthers vs Anaheim Ducks 2/20/23

The league’s two most penalized teams are set to square off at FLA Live Arena on Monday, as the Florida Panthers (28-25-6) play host to the Anaheim Ducks (17-33-6).Anaheim is kicking off a four-game road trip coming off a high-scoring 6-3 loss against the Kings on Friday, their fourth defeat in a row.

The Ducks committed eight penalties in the game, conceding three power play goals. Frank Vatrano, Mason McTavish, and Kevin Shattenkirk scored one apiece for the Ducks.

Vatrano added an assist to share the scoring lead with Cam Fowler, who had two assists. John Gibson saved only 35 of 40 shots against (.875%) in the loss.Florida fell 7-3 to the Predators on Saturday.

Matthew Tkachuk, Nick Cousins, and Sam Reinhart scored one apiece for the Panthers. Brandon Montour had two assists to lead the team in scoring. Sergei Bobrovsky only had seven saves on 11 shots (.636%) after starting in the loss.

HEAD TO HEAD

The Panthers won the first meeting between the teams this season, a 5-3 victory in November, their fifth straight win against Anaheim. Montour led Florida with four points (1G 3A). Ryan Strome led Anaheim with two points (1G 1A). Spencer Knight got the win, saving 32 of 35 shots (.914%).

FACING OFF

Anaheim is averaging 2.46 goals per game for the season, 31st in the NHL, and they are taking on a Panthers team that is allowing 3.49 goals a game (25th).

Meanwhile, Florida has found the net 3.44 times a game on average, seventh in the league, and the Ducks are allowing opponents to score a league-worst 4.16 goals per game.

Florida averages more shots/game (35.8) than any other team in the league, though the team’s 9.7% shooting percentage ranks 19th. With an average of 29.5 attempts, Anaheim ranks 26th.

Expect several power play opportunities between the teams, as the Ducks and Panthers have more penalties per game than most teams in the NHL.

The Ducks are averaging 4.64 penalties/game, second-most in the league, while the Panthers have been penalized 4.81 times a game on average (32nd).

The Ducks’ 15.53% power play percentage is the lowest in the league, while the Panthers rank 16th with a conversion rate of 21.67%. Anaheim has been equally inefficient at penalty killing, as the away team owns the league’s fourth-lowest PK% at 72.96%. Florida’s 74.54% ranks 27th in the NHL.

TOP PERFORMERS:

With 47 points this season, Trevor Zegras is the top skater for the Ducks. He has 19 goals and 28 assists in 56 games. In the net, Anthony Stolarz (5-6-0) is Anaheim’s top goaltender by goals against average. He has a 3.73 GAA and a .897% save percentage.

Gibson (10-23-5) leads the Ducks in games played in goal. He has a GAA of 4.08 and a save percentage of .897%.Tkachuk leads the Panthers in scoring with 76 points (4th in the league).

He has 28 goals and 48 assists (5th) in 56 games. Bobrovsky (16-14-2) has the best goals against average for Florida at 3.05. He has a save percentage of .905%.