NHL Stanley Cup Final Picks: Panthers vs. Oilers (Game 2)
The Stanley Cup Final got off to an exciting start, as both teams needed extra time in Game 1 to settle it. The Oilers grabbed the win and will now try to take a 2-0 lead before this series shifts to Florida. We’ll break down the game and give out our best NHL bet for Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Friday's NHL Best Bets & Picks: Panthers vs. Oilers
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Florida Panthers (+110) at Edmonton Oilers (+130) | O/U 6.5 (+105/-125)
The Oilers' high-powered offense got started quickly when Hart Trophy finalist Leon Draisaitl scored the series' first goal just two minutes in. The Panthers would then swing the momentum in their direction with three straight goals. The Oilers would come back and tie it up before Draisaitl scored his second goal of the game in overtime, giving the Oilers the win.
This matchup pits the Oilers’ speed and finesse against the Panthers’ physicality, and whoever ends up controlling how this series is played will have the best chance to hoist Lord Stanley. Florida has a lot of weapons on their offense, but they do not have the depth the Oilers do. Drasaitl and Connor McDavid are the two best playmakers in the game, but you're starting to see Edmonton’s deeper lines contribute, including Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who had nine points in the Western Conference Finals, and Corey Perry and his seven goals.
The Oilers’ defensive inconsistencies showed in Game 1, but we still had 29 saves from Stuart Skinner, who's improved after being benched earlier in the playoffs. If they want to contain Florida’s offense, they need to prevent them from forechecking and not allowing them multiple opportunities at the net, because that's when Skinner allows goals.
If Florida wants to tie this series, it needs to wear down the Oilers’ offense. They have to continue to be as physical as possible at both ends because they do not want to allow Edmonton to set up and allow a smooth transition to their offensive side, because they will get a shot off before the Florida defense has a chance to set up.
The Panthers must also create havoc in front of the net. When Skinner has a clear view of the puck, he can stop almost any shot. It is when an opponent creates traffic in front of the goal that Skinner has problems. Florida has players like Aleksander Barkov, who can shoot from the point and get the puck in the crease, or Sam Bennett, who can shoot from the circle.
This is not the Panthers’ first rodeo in the Stanley Cup Final, and this team knows how to make adjustments and come back strong in the next game, and could control the momentum in this game. It will be a more physical and defensive-centric contest tonight, which will keep it low-scoring.
Pick: Under 6.5 Goals (-125)
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