Overview
The Edmonton Oilers are preparing for a crucial home stand as they host the Florida Panthers on Thursday for Game 3 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final. With a 4-1 loss in Game 2 on Monday, the Oilers now trail the series two games to none. This marks Edmonton's first appearance in the Stanley Cup Final since 2006, and they are eager to turn the series around against a resilient Panthers team.
Game 2 Recap
Evan Rodrigues emerged as the star of Game 2, scoring his first of two goals just 3:11 into the third period. This pivotal moment broke a tie and brought Florida within two wins of securing their first championship in franchise history. The Panthers are hopeful that captain Aleksander Barkov will be in the lineup, despite an apparent head injury from a high hit by Edmonton's Leon Draisaitl in the third period of Game 2.
Odds and Trends
As the model focuses on the Oilers versus Panthers matchup, it has locked in its NHL picks and Stanley Cup Final predictions. Here are the current NHL odds and trends for Panthers vs. Oilers:
- Money line: Edmonton -134, Florida +113
- Over/Under: 5.5 goals
- Puck line: Edmonton -1.5 (+198)
Significant trends to consider include:
- EDM: The Oilers have been outscored 13-1 in the third period over their last nine games.
- FLA: The Panthers are 5-2 when trailing after one period this postseason.
Why You Should Back the Oilers
Edmonton failed to capitalize on numerous scoring opportunities in the series opener but managed to secure a 1-0 lead in Game 2 with their first shot of the contest. Mattias Ekholm recorded the goal at 11:17 of the first period. The Oilers currently rank first in the postseason with 15 goals from their defensemen.
Ekholm, a 34-year-old Swede, has been a surprise offensive contributor with five goals in the playoffs, replicating his form from the second-round series against the Vancouver Canucks. Captain Connor McDavid continues to be a driving force, notching his 27th assist of the playoffs in Game 2. McDavid is just four assists short of matching Wayne Gretzky's all-time record for most assists in one postseason, set in 1998. Leading all players with 32 points in these playoffs, McDavid has been kept off the scoresheet in only five of Edmonton's 20 games. He has registered a series-high nine shots on goal over the first two contests, contributing half of the six shots recorded by Oilers forwards in Game 2.
The Oilers' ability to leverage McDavid’s playmaking and shooting ability, combined with contributions from their blue line, will be crucial if they hope to stage a comeback in the series.
Why You Should Back the Panthers
Florida is benefiting from standout performances from Evan Rodrigues, who has scored on all three of his shots in the series against Edmonton goaltender Stuart Skinner. In his first season with the Panthers, the 30-year-old center is peaking at the right time. Rodrigues had only three goals in 17 games over the first three rounds of the playoffs but has demonstrated his capabilities on the grand stage of the Stanley Cup Final. His multi-goal performance in Game 2 marked a historical first for the Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final.
The Panthers, who possess a perfect 4-0 record in best-of-seven series when winning the first two games, are also showcasing their defensive strength. They have allowed just six goals during their current five-game winning streak. Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky has been stellar, stopping all but one of Edmonton’s 51 shots in the Final and conceding fewer than three goals in 12 of his last 13 outings.
Other key players, such as Sam Bennett, bolster Florida's strength. Bennett notched an assist on defenseman Aaron Ekblad’s empty-net goal in Game 2, extending his point streak to five games. The 27-year-old center has been a consistent contributor with points in seven of his last eight contests and 10 of 14 overall this postseason.
Momentum is Key
Both teams understand the importance of momentum in the Stanley Cup Final. The Oilers are looking to harness their home-ice advantage to secure a much-needed win. The Panthers aim to continue their dominance and get within striking distance of their first Stanley Cup title. A win for Edmonton could shift the series' dynamics, while a victory for Florida would put them in a commanding position.