The struggling Detroit Red Wings welcome the red-hot Florida Panthers to Little Caesars Arena this Sunday in what feels like a classic David versus Goliath matchup.

While Detroit's playoff hopes hang by a thread—sitting four points out with a leaky defense allowing 3.16 goals per game—they'll need standout performances from Cam Talbot and their top-heavy offense led by Raymond, Larkin, and DeBrincat to have any chance against Florida's stifling defense.

All eyes will be on the battle between a desperate Red Wings team fighting for their season and a Panthers squad that's allowed just 2.72 goals per game as Detroit Red Wings vs Florida Panthers promises to be a fascinating clash of teams heading in opposite directions.

Detroit Red Wings vs. Florida Panthers prediction: who will win?

For tonight's Detroit Red Wings vs Florida Panthers matchup, our predictive model gives the Panthers a 54.67% chance of defeating the Wings.

Florida Panthers: 54.67% win probability

  • Higher league position (5th in Eastern Conference compared to Wings' 10th place)
  • Superior goal differential (Panthers have +30 while Red Wings have -21)
  • Better overall record (44 wins to 35 wins with similar games played)

Detroit Red Wings: 45.33% win probability

  • Recent inconsistency (WLWLL recent form indicates struggles with consistency)
  • Defensive struggles (237 goals against, ranking in the bottom half of the conference)
  • Lower points total (77 points in 75 games compared to Panthers' 92 in 76 games)

At Sporting Post, our unique prediction model combines insights from top NHL experts. Instead of sifting through hundreds of expert analyses across the web, you can rely on our predictions to understand the market's overall sentiment. We scan trusted sources, analyzing predictions, data, and opinions, and our AI assigns a confidence level to each prediction. We then average these levels to produce an 'expert opinion' win probability—reflecting the collective intelligence of the industry's leading NHL experts.

Detroit Red Wings vs. Florida Panthers odds

Here are the latest odds for an NHL matchup featuring the Florida Panthers visiting the Detroit Red Wings at home on Sunday, April 06.

Detroit Red WingsFlorida Panthers
Moneyline+105 (via bet365 US)-125 (via bet365 US)

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Detroit Red Wings vs. Florida Panthers preview

The Panthers swagger into Little Caesars Arena this Sunday after a narrow setback against Toronto, looking to reassert themselves against a Red Wings squad desperate to keep fading playoff hopes alive.

Detroit's season has been a mixed bag at best – they've managed to score just eight goals in their last three outings while Florida's stingy defense continues to be their calling card, surrendering a mere 2.72 goals per game.

Keep your eyes on Florida's dynamic duo of Sam Reinhart and Sam Bennett who've combined for an impressive 62 goals and 66 assists, while Detroit counters with their own potent trio of Raymond, Larkin, and DeBrincat who've notched 88 goals collectively.

The goaltending matchup pits Detroit's Cam Talbot (.902 save percentage) against Florida's Vitek Vanecek, who's struggled a bit with an .889 save percentage but gets solid protection from defensemen Forsling and Mikkola.

Sunday's contest represents a classic clash between Florida's balanced attack and Detroit's top-heavy offensive approach that's been too easy for opponents to neutralize lately.

I think the Panthers' defensive structure should ultimately prevail, but don't count out Detroit's league-best power play (28.37%) if Florida gets sloppy with penalties.

For what it's worth, this matchup has all the makings of a tight, low-scoring affair – exactly the kind of game where a single mistake could prove decisive.

From where I'm sitting, this one might just come down to whether Detroit's home ice advantage can help them overcome a Florida team that's simply been the more complete squad all season.

Key stats

  • 1
    Florida Panthers sit 5th in Eastern Conference with 92 points while Detroit is 10th with 77 points, a 15-point gap
  • 2
    Panthers have a strong goal difference of +30 compared to Detroit's -21, showing significant defensive advantage
  • 3
    Red Wings' recent form (WLWLL) shows inconsistency while Panthers are struggling with five straight losses (LLLLW)
  • 4
    Florida has scored 237 goals this season versus Detroit's 216, averaging 3.12 vs 2.88 goals per game

Detroit Red Wings vs. Florida Panthers form

Detroit Red Wings
Detroit Red Wings
Latest matches
W
L
W
L
L
Victories
2/5 (40%)
Defeats
3/5 (60%)
Apr 4, 2025
Carolina Hurricanes3:5Detroit Red Wings
Apr 2, 2025
St. Louis Blues2:1Detroit Red Wings
Mar 30, 2025
Boston Bruins1:2Detroit Red Wings
Mar 27, 2025
Ottawa Senators4:3Detroit Red Wings
Mar 26, 2025
Colorado Avalanche5:2Detroit Red Wings
Florida Panthers
Florida Panthers
Latest matches
L
L
L
L
W
Victories
1/5 (20%)
Defeats
4/5 (80%)
Apr 5, 2025
Ottawa Senators3:0Florida Panthers
Apr 2, 2025
Toronto Maple Leafs3:2Florida Panthers
Apr 1, 2025
Montreal Canadiens3:2Florida Panthers
Mar 30, 2025
Montreal Canadiens4:2Florida Panthers
Mar 28, 2025
Utah Hockey Club1:2Florida Panthers

Detroit Red Wings vs. Florida Panthers head to head

Detroit Red Wings

33%

Florida Panthers

67%

Jan 17, 2025

Florida Panthers

2 : 5

Detroit Red Wings

Mar 30, 2024

Florida Panthers

3 : 2

Detroit Red Wings

Mar 2, 2024

Detroit Red Wings

0 : 4

Florida Panthers

Jan 18, 2024

Florida Panthers

2 : 3

Detroit Red Wings

Nov 2, 2023

Detroit Red Wings

0 : 2

Florida Panthers

Mar 20, 2023

Detroit Red Wings

2 : 5

Florida Panthers