Oilers vs. Panthers Odds, Preview
| Oilers Odds | -106 |
| Panthers Odds | -113 |
| Over / Under | 5.5 +126 / -154 |
Here's everything you need to know about the Oilers vs. Panthers odds for Game 7 on Monday, June 24 – our expert NHL prediction and pick.
This is it. The dramatic conclusion of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final.
As the ice sets the stage for the final showdown between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers, the air is thick with anticipation and the weight of history. Game 7 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final tonight not only promises a thrilling conclusion to a series filled with unexpected twists and electrifying performances, but it also presents a pivotal moment in the career of Connor McDavid, undoubtedly the best player in the NHL, who stands on the cusp of his first championship and a return to glory for both Canada and the iconic Oilers.
The series started with the Panthers taking a commanding 3-0 series lead with games marked by tactical superiority and standout performances, particularly from goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky.
However, the Oilers – driven by McDavid's prodigious talent – roared back with three consecutive wins, including a dominant 8-1 victory in Game 4 that shifted the series’ momentum.
This back-and-forth battle has seen both teams currently holding a 2-1 record at home, setting up a winner-take-all Game 7 in Sunrise, Florida, tonight.
Here's my Edmonton vs. Florida pick and prediction.
Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers have showcased a resilience that is nothing short of remarkable. After a disastrous start to this series, Edmonton has roared back, outscoring Florida 18-5 in the last three games.
McDavid, often scrutinized for his team’s playoff failures, has responded with a performance for the ages this postseason. His leadership in rallying the Oilers from the brink of defeat encapsulates the essence of a true champion.
Edmonton has displayed a blend of high-octane offense and disciplined defense. McDavid, alongside Leon Draisaitl and the emerging defensive pair of Evan Bouchard and Mattias Ekholm, has not only answered critics but has also cemented his status as a generational talent in playoff hockey.
Edmonton boasts the top spot in most offensive metrics during the playoffs, including the best rank in both Corsi % and xG %, and the last three games have been evident of that.
Edmonton’s resurgence isn’t just a story of offensive prowess; it’s also a tale of strategic defensive plays and stellar goaltending from Stuart Skinner. Skinner’s improvement has been pivotal; he has moved from a position of uncertainty to becoming a cornerstone of the Oilers’ defense. Between his stellar performance in the Western Conference Final against the favored Dallas Stars and now the Stanley Cup Final against the Panthers, who fell to the Vegas Golden Knights in the last Stanley Cup Finals, he's been remarkable.
The Oilers have managed to blend their aggressive attacking style with a disciplined defensive setup, making them formidable in high-pressure situations like tonight’s season finale.
Florida Panthers
On the flip side, the Panthers, initially dominant, find themselves reeling from the Oilers’ aggressive comeback.
Sergei Bobrovsky, who started the series holding the best offense in the league to one goal on 51 shot attempts over the first eight periods, has since found himself under siege: He has allowed 12 goals on 58 attempts over the last nine periods.
Bobrovsky initially looked invincible, particularly in the early games when he performed spectacularly, earning shutouts and drawing chants of “Bobby! Bobby!” from the home crowd. The once-impenetrable goalie needs to rediscover his form in this do-or-die matchup.
Bobrovsky's early brilliance gave way under Edmonton’s relentless assault, raising questions about his confidence heading into Game 7. The Panthers’ defense, which has shown cracks under pressure, must tighten up and support Bobrovsky, allowing him to play with the confidence that has characterized much of his two-time Vezina Trophy-winning career.
The Panthers’ early playoff success was characterized by aggressive play and exploiting their power-play opportunities, a strategy they need to revisit to reclaim their edge. Florida has scored only one goal this Finals on 19 opportunities on the power play. Despite a traditionally potent power play, the Panthers have found themselves outmatched in this Finals due to Edmonton’s historic penalty kill this postseason.
Florida’s offense is characterized by its depth and ability to execute under pressure. Aleksander Barkov’s leadership and tactical acumen have been vital in navigating through the Oilers’ defensive setup. Carter Verhaeghe and Jonathan Huberdeau have also been instrumental in supporting their goalie with timely goals.
Oilers vs. Panthers
Betting Pick & Prediction
As bettors look to this decisive game, the Oilers moneyline at -106 odds at FanDuel presents a tempting prospect.
The momentum is undeniably in the Oilers' favor, and with McDavid at the helm, their ability to seize critical moments has been proven. The narrative surrounding McDavid’s quest for his first Stanley Cup, paralleled with historical sporting moments like Michael Jordan and LeBron James winning their first championships at age 27, adds a layer of destiny to the Oilers’ campaign.
Despite the Panthers’ strong start and home advantage, Edmonton’s recent form, highlighted by overwhelming victories and McDavid’s leadership, suggests this could be his year.
Moreover, the Oilers have demonstrated not just the capability to outshoot and outscore, but to do so under playoff pressure, which is often where legends are forged. The resilience shown by Edmonton by overcoming a 0-3 series deficit mirrors the greatest comebacks in sports history, adding to the belief that they could complete the fairytale in Florida.
However, the Panthers should not be discounted. Their need to recalibrate and ability to harness the experience of last year’s playoff run could see them return to form.
Game 7 is not just another game; it’s a legacy-defining moment for Connor McDavid and a final test of resilience for the Panthers. The Oilers have the offensive firepower and have shown they can outmaneuver the Panthers’ defense. Yet, the Panthers possess the tactical depth and experience to respond. This game will be a battle not only of skill and strategy but of mental fortitude.
Tonight we have a chance to witness possibly one of the great individual and team comebacks in sports history.
Whoever lifts the Stanley Cup will have earned it through a trial by fire, making this one of the most compelling finals in recent history. For McDavid, this could be the crowning achievement of an already-stellar career, aligning him with other sports legends who rose to the occasion when it mattered most. For the Panthers, it’s a chance to solidify their status as a powerhouse finally capable of overcoming adversity.
Let the best team win, but I'm siding with the Oilers for tonight's Game 7.
