Florida Panthers – Calgary Flames 03-01-2025

The NHL is rolling on, and we've played about 3/4 of the season. That's often when you see teams start to show the quality they want to bring into the Stanley Cup playoffs. Florida, who went all the way last year, knows exactly what it takes to go all the way. We think we're starting to see championship pace from these guys again. They've now managed to place themselves well within playoff position this season as well. They're now number 1 in the Atlantic Division.

This time they will host the Calgary Flames at Amerant Bank Arena. The Calgary Flames, on the other hand, who have not reached the playoffs since 2022, are also now just outside the playoff position. At New Year's, the team was just passing through, and there was a good atmosphere. Unfortunately for them, the team has lost a bit of form, and the team has been sailing a bit astern lately.

We think this match will quickly go in favor of the home team as well. Let's look at why.

Florida Panthers – When the wild beast awakens.

What do the Florida Panthers and the old book "When the Wild Beast Awakens" by author Jack London have in common? The title is what we think of. Because we've seen trends in this Florida team lately.

The team that went all the way last year has started to find its way back to what took them all the way last year. This team is complete, and has no weaknesses. The team started weak, but that is common for teams that go all the way. The break between seasons is often too short for teams that go this far. But with the quality they have, they have now reached a good position with regard to the playoffs. The team is a hard-working team, and is known for all ranks contributing.

As mentioned in the introduction, this team is simply a wild animal when they get going. They also showed that in the previous game, when they beat last year's finalist Oilers. They are in great shape, and now have 7 wins in their last 9. If you look only at home games, there are 6 wins in their last 7. A strong home team.

They are one of the top scoring teams, but they concede too many goals. That has been a consistent problem. But this is also something that has been improving lately. We simply think this team is waking up. We think the home team looks like a good game.

Calgary Flames – Bad form at the wrong time.

At a crucial point in the season, it looks like the Calgary Flames are about to play out of a playoff spot. They celebrated with joy until New Year's Eve, when for the first time in years, the team looked like a contender to do just that. Star player Kadri then stated to the press that this team was more than good enough to do it. He himself entered his worst period of the season after this. From being a real point picker, he ended up with only 2 goals in the 7 games after that statement. Could it be our friend the old Jinx who struck? Of course, we don't believe it.

But something happened to the whole team eventually, which made them lose it a bit, and in the last 11 games, they now only have 4 wins. That's not good for a team that is fighting for a playoff spot. The team has less to play for than its opponent in this one, and will probably have to rely on the first two ranks. When we know that the team they face has players in all their ranks who can decide. It's going to be tough to resist here.

We think we sense a home advantage.

Conclusion – Only a goalkeeper can close.

Unless the Calgary Flames goalie has a great day, we'll soon have a game that favors the Florida Panthers.

Both teams played a little over a day ago. Calgary deservedly lost away to Tampa Bay (3-0), while Florida deservedly won at home against the Edmonton Oilers. Calgary is on an away tour, which is always more difficult than playing home games. Florida doesn't have to travel, and there was a lot of fuss about it.

These teams don't meet that often, so it's a bit hard to compare. But Calgary won at home the last time they met (3-0). That was right before Christmas. That's the only matchup this season so far. The last matchup before that was when Florida won 5-1 at home last year (2024 season).

But form and quality are starting to matter a bit at this time of the season, and we are therefore trying a bet on the home team at good odds.

Hockey at 21:00: Florida Panthers - Calgary Flames: Florida Panthers win (1.81)