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 Florida Panthers vs Edmonton Oilers. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs roll on.
NHL Predictions
Florida Panthers vs Edmonton Oilers
Series Head-to-Head: Panthers 2-0 Oilers
TV: ABC, Sportsnet, TVAS, CBC
It’s a must-win game for the Oilers as the series shifts back to Alberta. The Panthers looked like a team on a mission in the first two games of the series. Florida’s vaunted defence helped the team limit the usually high-powered Edmonton attack to just one goal. This game is crunch time for the Oilers and they need to get back into the win column in this game. Facing an 0-3 hole is a daunting task, but it would be almost impossible against an excellent Panthers team.
However, all isn’t lost just yet for Edmonton. This team does have the attack that’s strong enough to make any team pay for giving up a penalty. Florida has done a great job of killing on penalties, but one wonders how sustainable of a model that can be.
This round of NHL predictions looks into the main storylines heading into Game 3.
The Panthers Story
Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky has been acting like the number one cop in the force. The Russian netminder has rocketed up the Conn Smythe Trophy standings and could walk away with the playoff MVP trophy. His play in the last two rounds have more than justified the $10 million price tag that was handed to him a few seasons ago. However, the defence in front of him has played just as well in bothering Edmonton’s shooters. The Oilers haven’t gotten a lot of space to operate in the offensive zone thanks to the Panthers D.
There were concerns about Aleksander Barkov being a question mark for Game 3 after a high hit from Leon Draisaitl. However, the Selke Trophy winner should be ready to go. This series has shown that other Florida players can chip in with timely goals. Evan Rodrigues has scored twice in the Stanley Cup Final and given the Panthers some depth scoring.
The Oilers Story
Edmonton knows that it has to win this game. There’s no other scenario for this team at this point in the post-season. Florida has been able to frustrate the Western Conference champions at every turn. One goal in two games is not going to cut it. This Stanley Cup Final series is drawing a lot of similarities to the 2006 Final against the Carolina Hurricanes. Edmonton was dominated in the opening two games before making things a series.
Players like Connor McDavid, Zach Hyman and Draisaitl need to find the scoresheet. The Oilers were kind of unlucky in Game 1, but need to cash in on its chances. Stuart Skinner will draw the start once again, but he’s going to have be almost as good as Bobrovsky to give his team a fighting change.
Prediction
The crowd in Edmonton is going to be loud, but the Panthers are a dangerous team. However, Edmonton has to feel some sense of urgency in this game. This team has responded many times in the post-season. It seems like a risk, but we’ll go Oilers to get back into the win column.
Prediction: Oilers win 4-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We’ve got a couple of prop bets to make things fun. Take Carter Verhaeghe to get a goal in this one, so go the over on +0.5 goals. On the Edmonton side, take Evan Bouchard to get the over on +1.0 assists.
Main photo by: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports
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