Friday NHL Best Bets Feb. 27: Will Panthers bank win vs. Sabres?

Last Updated on February 27, 2026 3:03 pm by Anthony Rome

Friday’s slate is highlighted by a compact but intriguing schedule, with four games on the board featuring teams jockeying for positioning in both conferences as the playoff race heats up. Continue reading our Friday NHL Best Bets Feb. 27 column for three betting selections that we like ahead of tonight’s slate.

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NHL Best Bet: Panthers -107 (vs. Sabres)

Game Info:
Time: ~7:00 PM ET — Amerant Bank Arena
Matchup: Carolina’s Olympic reps and Florida’s core return from break, while Buffalo looks to stay within striking distance of playoff seeding.

Why Florida?

The Panthers have a talent-rich forward group featuring goal threats across the top two lines — including playoff-tested vets who return from Olympic duty.
Florida controls special teams at both ends more consistently than Buffalo, which struggles to maintain offensive pressure in high-leverage situations.
Buffalo’s recent results are uneven, and Florida’s recent Olympic layoff doesn’t appear to have dulled its scoring punch.

Betting Angle:
The Panthers’ slightly stronger roster depth and motivation to climb the standings make them an appealing moneyline bet. You’re getting value in a close game where puck possession should tilt toward Florida.

Prediction: Panthers win 4-2.

NHL Best Bets: Capitals -111 (vs. Golden Knights)

Game Info:
Time: ~7:00 PM ET — Capital One Arena
Line Insight: Washington is a slight favorite with more balanced odds in public and moneyline markets.

Why Washington?

The Caps have offensive resurgence from young contributors alongside stalwarts like Alex Ovechkin and scoring support from Dylan Strome — a combination that helps them stay competitive even against deep offenses.
Washington has slightly better recent form and home-ice edge in a division-tight race.
Vegas is talented but inconsistent on the road and struggles to close tight games when the Caps hedge their counter-attack.

Betting Angle:
A dead heat moneyline suggests this could go either way — but Washington’s home familiarity and slightly better metrics make them the lean without dipping above –150 odds.

Prediction: Capitals win 3-1.

NHL Best Bets: Mammoth -131 (vs. Wild)

Game Info:
Time: ~9:00 PM ET — Delta Center
Line Insight: Utah is priced as a modest favorite against a Wild team that’s strong statistically but susceptible away from home.

Why Utah?

The Mammoth have built late-season momentum and are riding a surprise underdog run.
Minnesota’s road offensive consistency has dipped against disciplined defenses, and the Wild goaltending has been streaky.
Utah’s push to stay relevant in the wild-card chase gives them extra urgency at home.

Betting Angle:
This is more of a value play — Utah’s odds stay under –150 while offering upside versus a Wild side that can be inconsistent away from home. If Utah keeps play tight and controls the middle of the ice, they’re live to steal.

Prediction: Utah wins 3-2.