Florida at New York

The Florida Panthers will open the NHL season on the road vs the New York Islanders. The Panthers won 61 games a year ago but were swept in the second round vs Tampa Bay, a cold ending to an otherwise great season. The Panthers dominated the Islanders last season, sweeping them 3-0 while out-scoring them 14-4. I look for Florida to come out hungry after ending last season on a sour note. The Islanders after three consecutive winning seasons finished last year at 37-45, and the drop-off may continue into 2022. Florida is the better team here, and more motivated to start the season strong. Make the play on Florida.