Oilers vs Panthers Odds, Prediction | Game 2 Preview
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Oilers vs. Panthers Odds, Prediction
Oilers Odds | +120 |
Panthers Odds | -140 |
Over / Under | 5.5 -110o / -110u |
Here's everything you need to know about the Oilers vs. Panthers odds for Game 2 on Monday, June 10 – our expert NHL prediction and pick.
The Stanley Cup Final has started with a bang as the Florida Panthers secured a 1-0 series lead after a decisive 3-0 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1.
Sergei Bobrovsky's exceptional goaltending performance stole the spotlight. He stopped all 32 shots faced, including multiple breakaways and dangerous opportunities from three-time MVP Connor McDavid.
Florida showed experience on this final stage does matter, handling pressure and tense moments throughout like most of its players have been here before.
As the Panthers look to extend their series lead and the Oilers aim to leave Florida with a series tie, let’s dive into an in-depth analysis of both teams' performances using advanced metrics and key statistics before making an Oilers vs. Panthers prediction.
The Oilers have been an offensive powerhouse throughout the season. Ranking third in Corsi percentage during the regular season and sixth out of 16 teams in the playoffs, their puck possession has been strong all season long. Edmonton’s xG% (expected goals percentage) was the highest in the league during the regular season, and it has maintained that dominance in the playoffs.
The Oilers also led in Expected Goals For (xGF) during the regular season and continue to be lethal in the playoffs, ranking first. High-danger chances are another area where the Oilers excel, topping the regular season and playoffs charts. Their power play has been particularly effective this year, finishing fifth in goals during the regular season and first in the playoffs.
McDavid (0.81 xG in Game 1) is a driving force for Edmonton with his extraordinary speed and playmaking ability. Fellow forward Leon Draisaitl (0.9 xG) complements McDavid as a versatile forward capable of scoring and setting up plays. Together, they form one of the most dynamic duos in the NHL. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (0.94 xG), Zach Hyman (1.02 xG) and Evander Kane provide additional scoring depth, making Edmonton's offense a multi-faceted threat. They outshot Florida 32-18 in the first game and will need a similar performance — albeit with more luck — to secure a victory in Game 2.
Defensively, the Oilers have been solid but not without flaws. They ranked ninth in Expected Goals Against (xGA) during the regular season and second in the playoffs, indicating strong defensive play. They were also fifth in high danger chances against during the regular season and have slightly dipped to seventh in the playoffs.
Penalty killing has seen a significant improvement, from allowing the 14th-most power-play goals in the regular season to being the third best in the playoffs. Edmonton increased its consecutive penalties killed to 30 in a row after Game 1.
Stuart Skinner, their starting goalie, was 36th in save percentage during the regular season and has improved to seventh among playoff goalies. His goals saved above expected also show improvement, rising from 36th to ninth in the playoffs. Skinner has been dominant of late and even his two goals allowed in Game 1 were a result of the defense in front of him more than his own fault.
Mattias Ekholm and Evan Bouchard anchor the blue line, providing a mix of physicality and offensive contribution. The defensive pair has been one of the playoffs' most dominant duos and has been a significant reason why the Oilers are playing in the Stanley Cup Final.
The Panthers have been equally impressive on offense. They were second in Corsi percentage during the regular season and have maintained that ranking in the playoffs. Their xG% was also second in the regular season and third in the playoffs, reflecting their ability to create quality scoring opportunities.
In xGF, they were second in the regular season and continue to be strong in the playoffs, ranking third. High-danger chances see the Panthers second during the regular season and third in the playoffs, showing consistency in generating prime scoring opportunities. Their power play has been effective too, ranking seventh in the regular season and improving to second in the playoffs.
Matthew Tkachuk, the Panthers’ points leader during the playoffs, combines skill with physicality, making him a significant threat in all situations. His counterpart in Aleksander Barkov, a Selke Trophy winner who excels on both ends of the ice, providing elite defense and playmaking. Barkov also shares the points lead with Tkachuk these playoffs as they have both notched 19 points each. Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Reinhart add depth to the Panthers' attack, making them a well-rounded offensive unit.
On the defensive end, the Panthers have been formidable. They ranked fifth in xGA during the regular season and have improved to first in the playoffs. High-danger chances against saw them at 11th in the regular season, but they now rank first in the playoffs. Aaron Ekblad and Gustav Forsling form a strong defensive pairing, capable of shutting down top lines while contributing offensively.
This defensive sturdiness has been bolstered by Bobrovsky’s stellar goaltending. Bobrovsky, a two-time Vezina Trophy winner, was 11th in save percentage and seventh in GAA during the regular season. He has raised his game and been even more exceptional in the playoffs, ranking second and third, respectively, among starting goalies.
His goals saved above expected also reflect his critical role, improving from sixth in the regular season to third in the playoffs. Bobrovsky turned aside multiple breakaways in Game 1, including crucial opportunities from McDavid when the reigning MVP tried to take control of the game. Bobrovsky has made Florida’s net an impenetrable fortress and he will need to continue performing at this level against the best offense in the league if the Panthers look to hoist the Cup with three more victories.
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Oilers vs. Panthers
Betting Pick & Prediction
Given the comprehensive analysis, taking the Oilers moneyline at +120 odds seems the best bet for Game 2.
Despite the Game 1 loss, the Oilers’ offensive metrics and the sheer volume of quality shots taken suggest a likely rebound. Florida’s defense and Bobrovsky’s form are operating at an elite level, but the Oilers' stars, McDavid and Draisaitl, are too potent to be held scoreless again.
Additionally, Edmonton's ability to control much of the game at even strength in Game 1 indicates that with minor adjustments, they can convert their high-danger chances into goals. The Oilers’ offense, combined with their defensive depth and stellar penalty kill, provides them a robust foundation to secure a road win and even the series.
Pick: Oilers Moneyline (+120 at BetMGM or bet365 | Play to +115)
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