Overview
The Edmonton Oilers are set to make a valiant attempt to get back into the series as they return home to host the Florida Panthers on Thursday for Game 3 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final.
Edmonton suffered a 4-1 loss in Game 2 on Monday and trails two games to none in its first appearance in the Stanley Cup Final since 2006. The Oilers, eager to turn the series around, face a Panthers team that has shown resilience and determination.
Game 2 Highlights
Evan Rodrigues was the star of Game 2, scoring his first of two goals just 3:11 into the third period to break a tie and propel Florida within two wins of securing their first championship in franchise history. The Panthers hope to have captain Aleksander Barkov in the lineup despite his questionable status due to an apparent head injury sustained from a high hit by Edmonton's Leon Draisaitl in the third period of Game 2.
NHL Betting Odds and Trends
The model has set its sights on the Oilers versus Panthers matchup, locking in its NHL picks and Stanley Cup Final predictions. The current odds are:
- Oilers vs. Panthers money line: Edmonton -134, Florida +113
- Oilers vs. Panthers over/under: 5.5 goals
- Oilers vs. Panthers puck line: Edmonton -1.5 (+198)
Key trends to consider:
- 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 grab a 1-0 lead in Game 2 on its first shot of the contest. Mattias Ekholm recorded the goal at 11:17 of the first period for the Oilers, who 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.
Ekholm’s performance has been reminiscent of his form in Edmonton’s second-round series against the Vancouver Canucks, where he scored in each of the first three games. Captain Connor McDavid continues to be a key player, notching his 27th assist of the playoffs in Game 2. McDavid is only four assists short of matching Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record for most assists in one postseason. Leading all players with 32 points in these playoffs, McDavid has been kept off the scoresheet in only five of Edmonton's 20 games.
With a series-high of nine shots on goal over the first two contests, McDavid's contributions are vital. He accounted for 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 receiving standout performances from Evan Rodrigues, who has scored on all three of his shots against Edmonton goaltender Stuart Skinner in this series. In his first season with the Panthers, the 30-year-old center is stepping up at the right time. Rodrigues had only three goals in 17 games over the first three rounds of the playoffs but has proven his mettle 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.
Contributions from other key players, such as Sam Bennett, add to 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 performer with points in seven of his last eight contests and 10 of 14 overall this postseason.
The Panthers, who have a perfect 4-0 record in best-of-seven series when winning the first two games, are demonstrating their defensive prowess. They've allowed just six goals during their current five-game winning streak. Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky has been stellar, turning aside all but one of Edmonton’s 51 shots in the Final and conceding fewer than three goals in 12 of his last 13 outings.
Key Factors and Team Strategies
Both teams understand the importance of momentum. The Oilers are looking to harness their home-ice advantage to secure a win, while the Panthers aim to continue their mastery and get within striking distance of their first Stanley Cup title. Edmonton’s struggles in the third period (having been outscored 13-1 in their last nine games) contrasts sharply with Florida’s resilience (5-2 when trailing after one period this postseason).
A pivotal Game 3 will set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling continuation of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final.