The Edmonton Oilers played a terrific Game 1 but have nothing to show for it, and the Florida Panthers will look to take a commanding 2-0 lead when they meet in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final as we offer our Oilers vs. Panthers predictions based on the top NHL odds.
The Edmonton Oilers deserved to win Saturday's Game 1, outshooting the Florida Panthers 32-18 and winning the expected goals battle 5.61 to 1.88. Connor McDavid said it best in his post-game interview, pointing to the fact that his team had no business winning Game 6 against the Dallas Stars but did so anyway. Things have a way of leveling out in the playoffs, as the Oilers found out in Game 1.
The Panthers relied heavily on Sergei Bobrovsky's brilliance to propel them to the 3-0 victory. The Panthers, clear Game 2 favorites at home, saw their Stanley Cup odds shorten considerably after Saturday's win. Game 2 takes place on Monday at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Fla., with the puck set to drop at 8 p.m. ET.
Accompanying our Oilers-Panthers prop picks, here are our Game 2 predictions and NHL picks.
Oilers vs. Panthers Game 2 prediction
Odds via our best NHL betting sites; pick confidence based on a 1-to-5-star scale.
Game 1 was an exercise in frustration for the visiting Oilers, who peppered Bobrovsky with 25 shots through two periods. Through 40 minutes, Bobrovsky faced more rubber than he did in three home outings versus the New York Rangers in the Eastern Conference Final. The Oilers finished with 32 shots, the most the Panthers have faced at Amerant Bank Arena since Game 2 of the first round against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Bobrovsky, usually with a lesser workload than the opposing netminder, had to be exquisite throughout a busy e vening, earning an improbable shutout. He moved to the top of the Conn Smythe odds leaderboard with his second shutout of the postseason. The Panthers' Game 1 victory marked the eighth Under in their last nine encounters. The only exception was the peculiar afternoon affair in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final, which the Rangers won 5-4 in overtime.
The Panthers' usually smothering defense struggled to contain the Oilers in Game 1, something I don't see reoccurring in Monday's Game 2. Expect a much better defensive effort from the home team, as they'll want to avoid throwing their all-world netminder under the bus in consecutive home games.
The Oilers, touted for their explosive and vaunted offense, have showcased an impressive ability to keep things tight defensively for most of the playoffs. They have killed 30 straight penalties, contributing to three straight Unders and five in the last seven. While boasting the playoffs' best defense, the Panthers aren't nearly as elite offensively, having failed to score more than two goals in eight of their previous nine contests.
Best odds: -110 via Betway
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Game 2 key players
| Sergei Bobrovsky | Stuart Skinner |
|---|---|
| 5.61 goals saved above expected in Game 1 | -0.5 goals saved above expected in Game 1 |
| 2 shutouts in playoffs | Allowed 2 or fewer goals in four straight |
| Allowed 2 of fewer goals in 10 of the last 11 games | 1.84 goals-against average and .916 save percentage in last nine games |
It's not surprising Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final was headlined by a goaltending duel. Bobrovsky was sensational, while Skinner, who endured an average performance, couldn't come up with the timely saves his team required, particularly early on.
Skinner must play more like he did against the Dallas Stars in Game 6, where he stole the show, ensuring the Oilers moved on to their first Stanley Cup Final since 2006. While nobody expects Skinner to be that good every game, he must finish each game with a goals saved above expected in the positives. Otherwise, the Oilers won't have a chance to upset the Panthers despite their undeniable offensive prowess.
The Under looks good again in Game 2. Not only is Bobrovsky impossible to beat on the ground, but he is also playing the best hockey of his 14-year career. The Panthers' ace has yet to allow a goal between the five-hole, placing a heigh tened emphasis on the Oilers roofing the puck early and often.
Oilers vs. Panthers Game 2 odds & info
- When: Monday, June 10
- Puck drop: 8 p.m. ET
- Where: Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise, Fla.
- How to watch: ABC, ESPN+, Sportsnet
- Favorite: Panthers (-140 via Betway)
Oilers-Panthers predictions made Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
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