NHL Best Bets
After what has felt like an eternity, it’s finally gameday. The puck will drop later tonight to kick off the 2024 Stanley Cup Final between a high-octane Edmonton Oiler offense, and an incredibly solid and strong Florida Panther team. Let’s get into our NHL best bets.
Edmonton at Florida (-148, 5.5)
The Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers have had plenty of days to rest before Game 1, so there will be no rest vs. rust or advantage of any kind in that regard. Both teams are ready to go and it’s no surprise that the Panthers have opened up as favorites on home ice.
Florida has been here before. They have been the team that’s been knocking on the door for the past three seasons, and I’m sure everyone in that locker room feels that this is their time. Last year’s run to the Stanley Cup Final felt like the Panthers were just happy to be there; each series win was considered an accolade. This time around, the feeling surrounding the Panthers is all business. The Edmonton Oilers might have something to say about that.
This is an Oilers team that has lost to the eventual Stanley Cup Champion for the past two postseasons. This is just as much their time as Florida’s. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have been waiting a long time to get here, and they have never shied away from any of the big moments. Tonight, I anticipate those two will set the tone. This Oiler team is different. However, it’s not just McDavid and Draisaitl putting the team on their back. They’ve gotten a big boost from guys like Evan Bouchard, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Zach Hyman who can all contribute offensively and pitch in when the team needs it most.
Florida also has some offensive weapons, such as Aleksander Barkov, Sam Reinhart, Matthew Tkachuk, and Carter Verhaeghe, but they’re not necessarily as explosive as the Oilers.
The Oilers can make the Panthers pay if they’re too aggressive.
Both Stuart Skinner and Sergei Bobrovsky have been key in getting their teams to this point, but if any players might be out of rhythm due to the long break, they’re going to be the goaltenders. No discredit to Skinner or Bobrovsky, but these skaters are going to have a ton of jump in their game.
Special teams will be the difference in this series. It seems as though nothing can stop Edmotnon’s power play, and nobody can break through their penalty kill. The Oilers’ man-advantage is clicking at 37.3%, while their kill is at 93.9%. If there’s one game where the officials might have a significant impact, it’s Game 1, so they can set the tone for the series.
Game One feels like it will benefit the road team. I think we’ll see a ton of goals while McDavid and Draisaitl thrive.
NHL Best Bet(s): Edmonton Oilers ML +124 (play to +110) | Over 5.5 -115 (play to -130)
June Record: 2-1 (+1.00 units)
2023-24 record: 194–177 (-14.92 units)
