People, we’ve made it. The Stanley Cup Finals is finally here and we have quite the offensive showdown, as the Edmonton Oilers take on the Florida Panthers down in Sunrise this evening for Game 1! Not to take anything away from these teams defenses and goaltenders, who have also been incredible this playoff campaign. But, when you think Oilers and Panthers, you think high pace, both squads peppering the net, and plenty of goals.
Let’s hope that’s in store for us this series as these teams square off to lift the Stanley Cup.
Florida was able to beat the Oilers in both regular season games this season, however both games took place last calendar year. In late November in Florida, we saw a very entertaining game as the Panthers beat Edmonton 5-3. The Panthers found themselves down 2-0 just 9 minutes into the game but battled back and tied it up before the period was over. They fell down 3-2 once again int he 2nd, but then saw 3 unanswered goals to win.
The next game was even uglier for the Oilers, as they lost 5-1 at home. The Panthers jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead in the 1st and never looked back. Sergei Bobrovsky stood on his head at saved 97.4% of shots he faced, leading Florida to another win. Connor McDavid has never been to the Stanley Cup Finals until now, can he make an immediate impact? Or will the Panthers get revenge from their 2nd place finish last season?
McDavid Gets His First Taste of the Stanley Cup Finals
Connor McDavid makes his Stanley Cup Finals debut tonight
Matchup Information – Oilers vs Panthers
- Venue & Location: Amerant Bank Arena
- Date: Saturday, June 8th, 2024
- Puck Drop: 8:00pm Eastern
- Where to Watch: ABC
Betting Odds, courtesy of BetOnline
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Puck Line
- Oilers +1.5 (-220)
- Panthers -1.5 (+190)
Money Line
- Oilers +127
- Panthers -143
Total
- Over 5.5 (-114)
- Under 5.5 (-102)
Will the Cats Lift the Cup After Coming So Close?
Barkov is 2nd on the Panthers in points this Stanley Cup Playoffs
The Panthers had a Cinderella run to the Stanley Cup Finals last year, but eventually lost to the Vegas Golden Knights in 5 games. Despite some injuries and struggles this season, they’ve come alive during the postseason and find themselves with another chance to lift the Cup. On the other side, the Oilers and all of their studs are primed and ready for their first taste of the Stanley Cup Finals with McDavid on the ice.
This series should be a thriller. And I hope we get all 7 games. However, let’s talk about these offenses.
In two games against each other this series, the Panthers put up 36 shots per game, while the Oilers were right behind them at 34 per game. This playoffs, we have not seen these offenses slow down at all. The Panthers are scoring 3.24 goals per game on over 33 shots on goal. The Oilers are scoring more, putting up 3.5 goals per game but have only put up 28.89 shots per game. Tonight I see both teams putting up 30+ easily.
These defenses are only giving up about 25 shots per game this playoffs, but we know both of these teams love playing at a high pace. I think we see tons of offense, with both teams pushing the pace and trying to create as many chances as possible, potentially leaving themselves exposed on the counter attack. These goaltenders are great, and although we’ve seen a few slip ups by both this postseason, they will have their work cut out for them tonight.
As far as a side or total in this game, I lean with the Panthers and the definitely the over, however I’m sticking with a prop tonight.
Edmonton Oilers vs Florida Panthers Best Bets
Will Stuart Skinner step up against the Panthers in the Stanley Cup Finals?
Best Bet: Stuart Skinner Over 27.5 Saves (-120) Bovada
I don’t think the Oilers win tonight necessarily, but I do trust the Panthers to absolutely pepper the net. They are putting up over 35 shots per game at home this postseason, and have put up 34, 40, and 37 the past 3 games at home. The Oilers are a team that does struggle at getting in front of shots and making guys miss, therefore I think Skinner sees plenty of action tonight.
Ultimately, I think we see tons of offense, a very high paced game, and lots of scoring chances from both sides. Is Skinner going to let in some goals? Absolutely. But I think the Panthers pepper him enough to creep over this number. Give me 32 shots from the Panthers and I think we get over the hump.
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