Panthers vs Oilers: Our betting analysis and prediction for Game 2 of Stanley Cup Final
Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final gets underway tonight in South Florida with the Panthers aiming to take a 2-0 series lead over the Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena.
Despite being outshot 32-18 in Game 1, the Panthers -- behind a 32-save shutout from goalie Sergei Bobrovsky -- defeated Edmonton 3-0 in South Florida.
With Game 2 on the horizon, will the Oilers be able to even the series before it shifts back to Edmonton, or will Florida take a commanding 2-0 lead and be two games away from the organization's first ever Stanley Cup?
Here are the betting odds, our analysis and prediction for Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final:
Panthers vs. Oilers puck line: Oilers +1.5 (-220), Panthers -1.5 (+190)
After not being able to get on the scoreboard in their first Stanley Cup Final game in 18 years, it's clear the oddsmakers expect a bounce back from the Oilers.
Prior to the Game 1 defeat, Connor McDavid and Co. have only lost by multiple goals once this postseason, which was Games 2 and 3 against the Stars in the Western Conference Finals.
However, looking back at those games, each of those instances featured empty net goals from Dallas, something the Panthers did with only five seconds left in Game 1.
On the other bench, this was Florida's first multi-goal win since they beat the Rangers -- also by an exact score of 3-0 -- in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Panthers had five straight contests -- including three straight overtime games -- versus New York leading up to winning the East.
Regardless of which team ultimately wins Game 2, I'm betting on this being a one-goal affair, with the Oilers covering the puck line at -220 (Bet $220 to win $100) on Caesars Sportsbook.
Prediction: Oilers +1.5 (-220)
Panthers vs. Oilers total: Over 5.5 goals (-108), Under 5.5 goals (-110)
I'll admit it, this total was tempting to wager on the over here given the lowly 5.5 line and the star power and offensive prowess both the Oilers and Panthers possess.
However, that's just not how these two franchises have played recently.
Since the beginning of the Conference Finals, they've combined to go under this number in 11 of 14 games, including four straight for both Florida and Edmonton.
In fact, each organization has had five or fewer goals since Game 3 of their respective Conference Final matchups.
There's no doubt at some point in this series we'll see a matchup that features at least six goals.
I just don't see that happening until the series shifts back to Edmonton.
The under 5.5 goals currently has a -110 (Bet $110 to win $100) price on nearly every sportsbook in New Jersey.
Prediction: Under 5.5 goals (-110)
Panthers vs. Oilers moneyline: Panthers -135 (Bet $135 to win $100), Oilers +120 (Bet $100 to win $120)
Even after controlling play for a majority of Game 1, there's still a good chance that the Panthers get even more of a challenge from the Oilers, who will give it their all to not go down 0-2 and there forth needing to win four of the next five games to win the Stanley Cup.
With goals coming via the power play almost a non possibility given how dominant these two penalty kills have been this postseason, the one area Edmonton needs to improve on in Game 2 is the faceoff percentage.
Florida was in full control of the faceoff dot, winning nearly 60 percent of faceoffs in Game 1.
The Panthers also held the clear advantage in blocked shots (21-15) and takeaways (11-4) in the series opener.
While I expect the Oilers to keep this one closer or even lead at points in this game, Florida will ultimately still find a way to win, heading north of the border up 2-0 and halfway there to winning the Stanley Cup.
DraftKings and Caesars Sportsbooks have the best price for the Panthers moneyline at -135 (Bet $135 to win $100) for Game 2.
Prediction: Panthers 3, Oilers 2
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Panthers vs Oilers odds picks and prediction Game 2 Stanley Cup Final
