The Setup:

The Florida Panthers visit the Edmonton Oilers for Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final, with the Oilers holding a 1-0 series lead after a 4-3 overtime victory in Game 1. The game takes place at Rogers Place in Edmonton and will be broadcast on TNT, MAX, and truTV.

The Context:

Game 1 saw a tight, back-and-forth affair with the Oilers ultimately prevailing in overtime. The Panthers, known for their physical play and defensive prowess, will be looking to bounce back and even the series before heading back to Florida. The Oilers, fueled by their star players Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, are aiming to continue their momentum and take a commanding lead.

Key Storylines:

• Panthers’ Response: How will the Panthers respond after dropping Game 1 on the road? Will they ramp up the physicality and tighten up defensively?
• Oilers’ Offense: Can McDavid and Draisaitl continue to drive the Oilers’ offense and exploit any defensive vulnerabilities of the Panthers?
• Goaltending: Sergei Bobrovsky for the Panthers and Stuart Skinner for the Oilers will be under immense pressure. Which goalie can provide the steadier performance?
• Special Teams: Special teams could be a deciding factor. Which team can capitalize on power play opportunities and maintain a strong penalty kill?

Moneyline Odds:

• Panthers: +105
• Oilers: -126

Prediction:

While the Oilers have the momentum and home-ice advantage, I expect the Panthers to come out with a much stronger performance in Game 2. They are a resilient team with a veteran goalie in Bobrovsky, and they won’t want to fall into a 0-2 hole. Look for them to tighten up defensively and play a more physical game. However, Edmonton’s offensive firepower is undeniable.

Lean:

I am leaning towards the Panthers at +105. They’re due for a bounce-back game, and the odds offer good value. The game is likely to be close, and betting on the underdog with plus money offers a better risk/reward.

Sources:
NHL.com: Official Site of the National Hockey League
NHL (@nhl) • Instagram photos and videos
NHL 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs Bracket
NHL (@NHL) / X
National Hockey League – Wikipedia
NHL
NHL on ESPN – Scores, Stats and Highlights
NHL – YouTube
NHL (@NHL) / X
NHL