Florida Panthers vs New York Islanders Picks and Prediction, Saturday, March 28, 2026
Use Code WWWC The Florida Panthers face the New York Islanders with both teams heading in opposite directions to close out the season. The Panthers are 35-33-3, and with only five wins in their last 10 games, they have the second-worst record in the Eastern Conference and are on the verge of elimination. The Islanders are 41-27-5 and clinging to the final wild card spot in the conference. Who will win this game? Check out our Panthers vs Islanders prediction!
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Florida hopes defense improves
The Panthers are having a season to forget with their offense letting them down and scoring only 2.93 goals per game, with only eight goals in the last three games. Sam Bennett and Carter Verhaeghe have combined for 46 goals and 54 assists but the rest of the offense has struggled. Only four active skaters have 10 goals or more, and opponents can limit the top-heavy offense as a result.
The offense has struggled but the defense has let the Panthers down, allowing 3.31 goals per game with 11 goals in the last three games. Gustav Forsling and Aaron Ekblad have combined for 7.0 defensive point shares but the rest of the unit has struggled, allowing opponents to find open shots on the net at will. In addition, goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky has struggled lately, allowing four goals in his last start and nine in the last three.
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Key injury report for Panthers
- Brad Marchand is out.
- Niko Mikkola is out.
- Sam Reinhart is day-to-day.
- Anton Lundell is out.
- Evan Rodrigues is out.
Islanders are led by a great defense
The Islanders are having a great season, even with their offense struggling and scoring only 2.84 goals per game. Mathew Barzal and Bo Horvat have scored 48 goals and 69 assists while Matthew Schaefer has added 22 goals and 32 assists from the point but the rest of the offense has struggled. Only seven skaters have 13 goals or more, and opponents can limit the top-heavy offense as a result.
The offense has struggled but the defense has been one of the best in the NHL, allowing 2.77 goals per game with only five goals in the last three games. Matthew Schaefer and Ryan Pulock have combined for 10.9 defensive point shares while Adam Pelech and Scott Mayfield have combined for 6.9 defensive point shares to add depth to the unit. In addition, goaltender Ilya Sorokin has been incredible, allowing only two goals in his last three starts.
Key injury report for Islanders
- Tony DeAngelo is week-to-week.
Panthers vs Islanders Pick
Money Line Pick For Panthers vs Islanders
- Islanders (-170) (4 units)
The Islanders are looking to secure a spot in the playoffs, and I see them dominating in this game on their home ice. The Islanders, should create plenty of scoring chances against the Panthers, who allow 3.31 goals per game, with Mathew Barzal and Bo Horvat controlling the puck in the offensive zone while creating open shots with quick passes. The Islanders, who allow only 2.77 goals per game, should limit the Panthers offense, which averages only 2.93 goals per game, with Matthew Schaefer, Ryan Pulock, and the rest of the defensive unit creating turnovers in the defensive zone while limiting shots on the net, allowing goaltender Ilya Sorokin to make plenty of big saves. The Islanders should win the game with a strong performance on their home ice.
Take the Lightning money line as home Favorites.
Over/Under Pick For Panthers vs Islanders
- Under 5.5 (5 Units)
The Islanders are led by an incredible defense, and I see this game being a low-scoring one from the opening puck drop. The Panthers should limit the Islanders offense, which averages only 2.84 goals per game, with Aaron Ekblad, Gustav Forsling, and the rest of the defensive unit creating turnovers while limiting shots on the net, allowing goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky to make plenty of big saves. The Islanders, who have allowed only five goals in their last three games, should eliminate and potentially shut out the Panthers, who have scored only eight goals in their last three games, with Matthew Schaefer, Ryan Pulock, Adam Pelech, and the rest of the defensive unit creating turnovers in all three zones while goaltender Ilya Sorokin blanks the shots on the net. The Under should cover in a low-scoring game with both defenses stepping up.
Take the Under on 5.5 goals.
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