Welcome back to another day of NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head and other factors that may play in. We also have a featured game of the day, which is considered must-watch TV. Today’s featured game is the Edmonton Oilers vs Florida Panthers. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs roll on.
NHL Predictions
Edmonton Oilers vs Florida Panthers
Series Head-to-Head: Oilers 0-1 Panthers
TV: ABC, Sportsnet, TVAS, CBC
Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final is upon us and the Panthers are trying to go up to Canada with a 2-0 series lead. Sergei Bobrovsky shut down the vaunted Oilers attack, but letting that power play have multiple looks could be a recipe for disaster. Florida may have stolen Game 1 according to some advanced statistics, but the only stat that matters is the one of the scoreboard. This Game 2 is a likely must-win for Edmonton, which would love to get a series-split going back to Alberta.
Let’s take a look at the main storylines heading into Game 2 in this edition of NHL predictions. Can the Oilers even up the series or do the Panthers take another step towards their first championship?
The Oilers Story
Edmonton did get its chances to steal the series-opener. However, the Oilers came up empty on the scoresheet. The team is still searching for its first Stanley Cup Final goal since 2006 against the Carolina Hurricanes. Edmonton did put 32 shots on Bobrovsky’s net, but the Russian netminder came up huge to take the first game. The Oilers went 0-for-3 on the extra-man, but even the Panthers know they can’t keep giving them power-play chances.
Connor McDavid even said the hockey gods might have evened things out after stealing Game 6 against the Dallas Stars. Stuart Skinner made 15 saves and does have to be better if Edmonton wants to stay in this series.
The Panthers Story
Florida didn’t throw a lot of shots on goal, but it did take advantage of its opportunities. This team was able to maximize its opportunities in order to grab the first game of the Stanley Cup Final. Carter Verhaeghe broke into double-digits in goals to start the scoring. However, Evan Rodrigues and Eetu Luostarinen were unlikely goal-scorers for the Cats. The defence fought off the Oilers, but is it sustainable?
Bobrovsky has been outstanding this post-season and has matched up well against some top-tier goalies. However, some shot suppression would be nice for the veteran goalie.
Prediction
The Panthers have been pretty good at tidying things up from game-to-game. It’s not been a perfect run, but it’s been a pretty good one for Florida. Head coach Paul Maurice will have his team try to limit the Oilers’ opportunities in this Game. Edmonton head coach Kris Knoblauch will hope his team can finally cash in on its chances. The Oilers will score, but the Panthers will get the victory.
Prediction: Panthers win 3-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
Let’s hope this bunch of props go a little bit better than Game 1. Go with Aleksander Barkov getting the over on +0.5 assists for the Panthers. On the Edmonton side, go with Zach Hyman getting a power play goal. The play would be over on +0.5 power-play markers. This game’s over/under is 5.5, so take the under in this one because of the defensive play of both teams.
NHL predictions will be back with Game 3 on Thursday.
Main photo by: Jim Rassol – USA TODAY Sports
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