Experience seems to be reigning supreme for the Florida Panthers in this season’s NHL Stanley Cup Finals with a 2-0 series lead heading into Game 3.
Edmonton has two upcoming games to play on home ice to try to get themselves back into the tie, but with the Panthers’ defensive prowess, it’s going to be difficult. The Panthers have all the experience of playing in a Stanley Cup finals and are one of the best defensive teams in the NHL. We are hoping to see some goals tonight, but can the Oilers turn the tide on home ice?
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NHL Pick: Over 5.5 (+100) at BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
Florida Panthers vs. Edmonton Oilers
Thursday, June 13, 2024 – 08:00 PM ET at Rogers Place
Back to the Drawing Board
We expected goals last time out. However, the Oilers were left red-faced again by the Florida Panthers. Edmonton has only scored two goals in their previous three games against the Panthers.
We did state before Game 1 that the Panthers are one of the best teams at figuring out how to beat their opponents. Especially when it comes to a best-of-seven series and playoff hockey.
Thus far, they have proved so having won their previous three games against Edmonton. They have done unbelievably well to only allow 2 goals in those three matchups against the best-attacking team in the league this postseason. Two of those three wins have given them a 2-0 series lead heading into these next two games in Canada.
Expect Goals in Edmonton
When the Oilers play on home ice, there is always a better chance of the total going over. The proof is in the stats. 7 of their 9 playoff games this season have had over 5.5 goals scored in each game respectively.
Compared to playing on the road, the Oilers have only had 3 of their 10 road games feature six or more goals. We stated in the previous game that the Oilers had nothing to lose by going all out but they were kept to just 19 shots in the entire game. We fully expect this to be an all-or-nothing performance in front of their home fans, so expect plenty of goals.
The Pick
The Oilers know a defeat here will more than likely put the nail in their Stanley Cup coffin. It is almost impossible to come back from a 3-0 series deficit. Especially when Game 5 will be played on the road, where they have already struggled this post-season.
Not only are the stats in our favor for goals to be scored, but the odds are also in our favor at +100 for the total to go over 5.5. For some context, the previous game has seen the over 5.5 goals juiced to -115.
Top-rated sportsbooks are definitely basing their odds on the fact that the two opening games went under. Both these teams combined have seen the total go under 5.5 goals in each of their previous seven playoff games.
Let’s go back to the well here and take the over at plus money. With the Oilers on home ice and their backs up against the wall, we fully expect them to come out swinging. We would happily bet this total over 5.5 down to as low as -115 NHL betting odds.
NHL Pick: Over 5.5 (+100) at BetOnline
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
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