NHL Best Bets
As I think about Game 6, the question isn’t, can Edmonton win three games in a row? Will the Florida Panthers really lose three games in a row? Let’s get into my NHL best bets.
Florida at Edmonton (-120, 5.5)
The Florida Panthers are 7-3 on the road this postseason, and despite losing 8-1 in Game 4 in Edmonton, they don’t fear being the away team. The conversation is now surrounding the pressure on the Panthers. In reality, they’re still in the driver’s seat as they lead this series 3-2 and have another chance to hoist the Stanley Cup.
Sergei Bobrovsky has to be better. The last two games have been disappointing performances, but he has shown what he is capable of. His teammates need to stay out of the penalty box. The Panthers have had to kill off 11 penalties in the last two games combined— a recipe for disaster.
Florida’s head coach, Paul Maurice, emphasized discipline, and that will be the message to his group for Game 6. It took a few games, but the Oilers finally found success on their man-advantage, converting on two of their five attempts in Game 5. Friday night, the immaculate Panthers penalty kill will find answers to slow them down.
Matthew Tkachuk finally got going in this series with a goal and an assist in the previous game. He will need to set the tone for this group in Game 6.
Composure is the word that comes to mind for the road team. It’s going to be a hostile crowd, but it’s nothing that the Panthers aren’t used to or haven’t seen.
Florida got back to their game in the third period of Game 5. It’s something they can build on going into Game 6. This time, they’ll just need to find that extra goal against Stuart Skinner.
The entire world thinks there’s no way the Oilers lose this game at home. I see it as there’s no way the Panthers allow this to get to a seventh game.
The Stanley Cup will be handed out Friday night in heartbreaking fashion.
NHL Best Bet: Florida Panthers ML +100 (play to-110)
June Record: 8-14 (-8.45 units)
2023-24 record: 200–190 (-24.37units)
