After a disappointing Game 3, the Stanley Cup Final brought the excitement in Game 4 and gave us an all-time classic. Now the series heads back to Edmonton with momentum on the Oilers’ side. We’ll break down the game and give out our best NHL picks and bets.
Saturday’s NHL Best Bets & Picks: Panthers vs. Oilers
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Florida Panthers (+105) vs. Edmonton Oilers (-125) | O/U 6.5 (-102/-118)
Early on in Game 4, it looked like the Panthers were going to cruise to another big win with a 3-0 lead after the first period. After allowing eight goals in four periods, Stuart Skinner got the hook for Calvin Pickard, and it was all the Oilers needed as they scored four straight goals to take the lead.
It looked like Edmonton was ready to steal the game until Sam Reinhart, with 20 seconds left, scored to tie the gam. In overtime, Leon Draisaitl was a hero with his second overtime goal in the Stanley Cup Final to tie the series up 2-2.
In the first period, the Panthers played just as they did in Game 3; they were aggressive with the puck, checking the Oilers and forcing penalties, converting two out of three power plays.
It seems like the Panthers put all of their efforts into that first period, because they did not look the same after that. They were more passive, which allowed Edmonton to use their speed to move across the neutral zone, something they had trouble doing in the previous game. Florida gave Edmonton more space to move, and they were moving the puck into the crease and getting multiple shot opportunities.
The Oilers’ defense seemed reinvigorated with Pickard in net, as they committed only one more penalty for the rest of the game. It would not be a surprise if Pickard remains the starter, as he is 7-0 in the playoffs and only lost the job due to an injury.
We've seen all of these games hit the over, but due to the circumstances, that could change. There are usually two days off when the series travels, but it will be a quicker turnaround with just one day in between games. That change could impact the speed of the game, resulting in fewer scoring opportunities and a lower score.
Pick: Under 6.5 Goals (-118)
