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Oilers vs. Panthers Prediction & Odds Game 2: Stanley Cup Final Expert Picks

Gary Pearson

Last Updated: June 10, 2024 2:22 PM EDT • 3 min 13 sec read.

Edmonton Oilers forward Zach Hyman screens Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky during the first period in Game 1 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final as Gary Pearson makes his best Stanley Cup Final Game 2 predictions.
Edmonton Oilers forward Zach Hyman screens Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky during the first period in Game 1 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena. Photo by Jim Rassol via USA TODAY Sports

The Florida Panthers overcame an outstanding performance by the Edmonton Oilers in the series opener but might need a better performance or hope for more puck luck in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final as we offer our Oilers vs. Panthers predictions based on the top NHL odds. 

Despite outshooting the Florida Panthers 32-18 and leading in expected goals 5.61 to 1.88, the Edmonton Oilers couldn't score in a 3-0 Game 1 loss. Connor McDavid remarked that the "hockey gods evened things out" after their unexpected Game 6 win against the Dallas Stars.

Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky delivered a stellar performance, solidifying the Panthers as clear favorites for Game 2 at home. Following their victory, the Panthers' Stanley Cup odds have improved significantly. Game 2 is set for Monday at 8 p.m. ET at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Fla.

Accompanying our Oilers-Panthers prop picks, here are our Game 2 predictions and NHL picks. 

Oilers vs. Panthers Game 2 prediction

Odds via our best NHL betting sites; pick confidence based on a 1-to-5-star scale.

Under 5.5 goals ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Game 1 was an exercise in frustration for the visiting Oilers, who peppered Bobrovsky with 25 shots through two periods. Through 40 minutes, Bobrovsky faced more rubber than he did in three home outings versus the New York Rangers in the Eastern Conference Final. The Oilers finished with 32 shots, the most the Panthers have faced at Amerant Bank Arena since Game 5 of the first round against the Tampa Bay Lightning. 

Bobrovsky, usually with a lesser workload than the opposing netminder, had to be exquisite throughout a busy evening, earning an improbable shutout. He moved to the top of the Conn Smythe odds leaderboard with his second shutout of the postseason. The Panthers' Game 1 victory marked the eighth Under in their last nine encounters. The only exception was the peculiar afternoon affair in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final, which the Rangers won 5-4 in overtime. 

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The Panthers' usually smothering defense struggled to contain the Oilers in Game 1, something I don't see reoccurring in Monday's Game 2. Expect a much better defensive effort from the home team, as they'll want to avoid throwing their all-world netminder under the bus in consecutive home games. 

The Oilers, touted for their explosive and vaunted offense, have showcased an impressive ability to keep things tight defensively for most of the playoffs. They have killed 30 straight penalties, contributing to three straight Unders and five in the last seven. While boasting the playoffs' best defense, the Panthers aren't nearly as elite offensively, having failed to score more than two goals in eight of their previous nine contests.

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Game 2 key players

Sergei BobrovskyStuart Skinner
5.61 goals saved above expected in Game 1-0.5 goals saved above expected in Game 1
2 shutouts in playoffs Allowed 2 or fewer goals in four straight 
Allowed 2 of fewer goals in 10 of the last 11 games1.84 goals-against average and .916 save percentage in last nine games

It's not surprising Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final was headlined by a goaltending duel. Bobrovsky was sensational, while Skinner, who endured an average performance, couldn't come up with the timely saves his team required, particularly early on. 

Skinner must play more like he did against the Dallas Stars in Game 6, where he stole the show, ensuring the Oilers moved on to their first Stanley Cup Final since 2006. While nobody expects Skinner to be that good every game, he must finish each game with a goals saved above expected in the positives. Otherwise, the Oilers won't have a chance to upset the Panthers despite their undeniable offensive prowess. 

The Under looks good again in Game 2. Not only is Bobrovsky impossible to beat on the ground, but he is also playing the best hockey of his 14-year career. The Panthers' ace has yet to allow a goal between the five-hole, placing a heightened emphasis on the Oilers roofing the puck early and often.

Oilers vs. Panthers Game 2 odds & info

  • When: Monday, June 10
  • Puck drop: 8 p.m. ET
  • Where: Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise, Fla.
  • How to watch: ABC, ESPN+, Sportsnet
  • Favorite: Panthers ()

Oilers-Panthers predictions made Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.

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Written By:
Gary Pearson
Gary Pearson has written professionally since 2010, focusing on sports betting since 2014. Before entering the sports betting space, he contributed to the Canadian Press, FanSided, the Hockey Writers, the Calgary Herald, and other publications. His work has also been featured in Sports Illustrated and Bleacher Report. Gary, who consumes sports like a blue whale devours plankton, has a penchant for writing predictions and analyses across several sports, including hockey, soccer, football, tennis, and more. He bets regularly, preferring single-game picks, props, and live betting. While there isn't a sport he has yet to dabble in, Gary prefers betting on soccer, hockey, and football. He studied at various post-secondary institutions, including the University of Calgary, SAIT Polytechnic, and Griffith University, located in Brisbane, Australia. Gary has a marketing degree and completed his bachelor's degree in journalism at Griffith University. He feels strongly that life experience is as essential as post-secondary education, helping formulate more accurate predictions and analyses. Gary believes that competing at a high level of amateur sports during his formative years helped him better understand an athlete's psyche and the nuances and complexities of a team's dynamic, both on and off the playing surface. He feels that knowledge is immeasurably important when offering his analytical expertise. He has lived on five continents and currently resides in Canada.