NHL: Panthers vs. Islanders Picks and Odds | March 1, 2026
Written by: Nick Zanghi
Published: Sun Mar 01, 2026, 11:54 am ET
Read Time: 5 minutes
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The two-time defending champs head up north for today's game. The Florida Panthers will take on the New York Islanders at UBS Arena. These two teams last played in December and the Panthers won 4-1.
New York is 34-21-5 this season and third in the Metro Division. They come into this game on two-game winning streak after returning from the Olympic break. The Islanders are 7-3-0 in their last ten games and 16-10-2 at home.
Both of their last two wins have come in overtime. They had back and forth games in each where neither team held a lead for long. Rookie Matthew Schaefer had two goals in their first game and Simon Holstrom was the hero yesterday.
Offense hasn't been top notch for the Isles, but it's getting the job done. They rank towards the bottom of the league for goals scored and shots on goal allowed per game. Their defense is a bit strong, ranking fourth in goals allowed and ninth in penalty kill.
Goalie David Rittich is expected to start. He is 12-8-3 this season with a 2.57 GAA and a .900 save percentage. Rittich has come in a supported Sorokin as his back up extremely well.
Check out the odds for this matchup and other NHL games at the best online sportsbooks.
Florida not looking like the defending champs this season
Panthers forward Carter Verhaeghe celebrates a goal with his teammate vs. the Islanders.
The Panthers are 30-26-3 this season and seventh in the Atlantic Division. They come into this game off a loss yesterday to the Sabres 3-2. Florisa is 4-6-0 in their last ten games and 14-12-0 on the road.
It's been a weird season for the defending champs. At the rate they're going, they're going to miss the playoffs. They're currently 8 points out of the second wild card spot and 12 points out of the third spot in the Atlantic.
They're ranking in the bottom of the league on offense for goals scored, power play conversion and shooting percentage. Florida peppers the net still, but their shooting percentage is hurting that.
On defense is where they shine a bit more this year. They rank sixth best for shots on goal allowed and eighth best for penalty kill. Not much help keeping the puck out or supporting the goalie ranking twenty fifth in goals allowed per game.
In net, we're expected to see Sergi Bobrovsky. He is 21-17-1 this season with a 3.03 GAA and a .871 save percentage. Let's check out the odds and get into the Panthers vs. Islanders picks.
Florida Panthers vs. New York Islanders Betting Odds and Game Information
Panthers vs. Islanders Betting Odds – March 1
| Team | Puck Line | Moneyline | Over/Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Panthers | -1.5 (+165) | -145 | Over 5.5 (-135) |
| New York Islanders | +1.5 (-200) | +125 | Under 5.5 (+115) |
Odds courtesy of Lucky Rebel – Get a $1,250 deposit bonus & 50 Slot Spins when you sign up
Panthers vs. Islanders Game Information
- Venue: UBS Arena, Elmont, NY
- Date: Sunday March 1, 2026
- Puck Drop: 6:30pm p.m. EST
- TV: ESPN
Florida Panthers vs. New York Islanders Picks and Prediction
New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin tends net while waiting for the puck drop.
Panthers vs. Islanders Picks and Predictions: New York Islanders Moneyline (+125) Get a $1,250 deposit bonus & 50 Slot Spins when you sign up with Lucky Rebel
I'm going out on a limb here and taking my boys again at plus money. They've showed they can get the job done, even if they need some overtime, but the Panther haven't looked good. They're coming off that loss last night where they were outplayed.
Rittich has been really good for the Islanders. I think he can hold his own and get it done for the Isles. The Sabres put up over 30 shots last night vs. the Panthers, so New York needs to shoot. New York keeping Florida's shot count down is key as well.
I like for Matthew Schaefer to record a point for -110. He's coming off a miss, but I think the Islanders put a few goals up tonight and he's going to be involved. He recorded a point on the only goal the Islanders scored last game vs. the Panthers.
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Nick Zanghi
Nick Zanghi is an avid hockey fan who loves to bet on the NHL Props. He has also found a liking for the WNBA. Born and raised on LI, NZ is a lifelong Islanders #isles fan and a new NY Liberty fan #LIGHTITUPNYL. When not watching or attending sporting events, he enjoys grilling and time with his wife and kids.
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