NHL picks: Panthers vs. Lightning, Flyers vs. Penguins

Intrastate rivalry is the theme with our NHL picks for Thursday night!

First, we’ll preview an all-Florida clash between the Florida Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Then we’ll dive into the battle of Pennsylvania between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Florida Panthers (27-12-4) at Tampa Bay Lightning (28-12-2), 7:00 p.m. ET, NBCSN

The action has been fast and furious in the first four battles for Sunshine State bragging rights this season, and bettors should expect more of the same on Thursday night.

The Panthers and Lightning have combined for 32 goals over their first four meetings in 2021, with the latter prevailing three times. The Over cashed on all four occasions, making it a 9-1 run in the last 10 games in this series. In fact, Over bettors have cashed in 21 of the last 27 games played between these two teams in Tampa Bay.

Florida enters this tilt in a bit of a slump, having lost three of their last four games. An inefficient penalty kill is the main culprit, as opponents have cashed in on four of their last 14 power play chances (28.6%). Tampa can take advantage of that with their fifth-ranked power play unit, even if Steven Stamkos (lower body) is out.

The Lightning’s inconsistent play of late – 2-3 straight up in their last five games – makes them tough to take at these moneyline odds. But the Over looks like a wise wager, especially considering Tampa has given up 20 goals in their last five contests.

Don’t be surprised if Aleksander Barkov – with five goals in his last five games – finds the statsheet for Florida.

NHL pick: Over

Philadelphia Flyers (19-17-6) at Pittsburgh Penguins (27-13-2), 7:00 p.m. ET

The Penguins’ superior offense should enable them to beat their Keystone State rivals in a high-scoring tilt on Thursday night.

Pittsburgh has averaged 4.6 goals per game over their last 10 tilts, going 8-2 straight-up. Left wing Jake Guentzel has been on a tear, scoring 10 points in his last five games alone.

The Penguins have won 20 of their last 28 overall, and five of their last six against teams with straight-up records below .500.

The Flyers have lost six of their last eight overall. The back of their net has looked like a coal bin, as they’ve allowed 31 goals in that span. Philly has also dropped 14 of their last 18 games as underdogs.

NHL pick: Penguins -175 & Over parlay