The Florida Panthers (27-13-2) have made significant strides toward elite status in recent weeks, winning nine of their last 10 games.
Even though Florida made 15 more shots on Saturday, it took some sharp shooting from the New Jersey Devils to stop the momentum. Sergei Bobrovsky had trouble tracking the puck and missed three unanswered goals before the Panthers could say anything about it.
Monday's MLK Day matinee tilt against the Anaheim Ducks (14-27-1) will be a great chance for the Cats to get back in the win column with the success of an aggressive forecheck.
Ducks vs. Panthers predictions
(1 p.m. ET, ESPN+)
Florida is relentless in forcing turnovers in the offensive zone, while the Ducks are giving up an average of more than seven points per game.
The Panthers regained last year's playoff momentum, dominating 5-on-5 play and posting the second-best expected goal percentage.
The line of Sam Reinhart, Aleksander Barkov and Evan Rodriguez is a big part of that. They are one of the most effective trios in the game, scoring 19 points in their last six games and boasting a top-12 offensive scoring rating in the NHL.
Reinhardt is one of the most polarizing players on the ice right now, ranking fourth overall in expected goals and riding a six-game winning streak through Monday.
Because of this type of talent, Florida ranks second in the entire league with 34.1 shots per game.
The Ducks pretty easily overcame the defense against the odd-man rush that got on the scoreboard, allowing about 33 shots, posting a 3.43 goals-against average and trailing with a minus-39 goal differential.
Offense doesn't grow on trees either. Anaheim's young superstar Trevor Zegras has regressed this year, missing six to eight weeks with a broken ankle. Frank Vatrano is the only one who consistently produces a lot of points, but he also has a lot of responsibility on the defensive side.
Anthony Stolarz was floated as a candidate to represent Florida on Monday.
The Cats' backup goaltender has an impressive 1.95 goals against average and has stopped over 93 percent of the shots he has faced in his last five starts.
Would you bet on the NHL?
A shot at defeating his old team at home in a game heavily favored by Florida should keep the best season of his career intact.
Pick: Panthers -1.5 (-145, BetMGM)
