Welcome back to another day of NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head and other factors that may play in. We also have a featured game of the day, which is considered must-watch TV. Today’s featured game is the Edmonton Oilers vs Florida Panthers. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs roll on.
NHL Predictions
Edmonton Oilers vs Florida Panthers
Series Head-to-Head: Oilers 2-3 Panthers
TV: ABC, Sportsnet, TVAS, CBC
Has momentum swung back in Edmonton’s favour? Many thought Florida was going to have an easy time in getting its first Stanley Cup crown. However, the Oilers had another ideas in the last two games. Connor McDavid has made it known that he deserves Conn Smythe consideration. McDavid has 42 points from eight goals and 34 assists) in these playoffs. The Edmonton captain has beaten Wayne Gretzky‘s 1988 assist record of 31. McDavid needs five points to tie Gretzky’s record for points in a playoff run (47 with the Oilers in 1985).
Stuart Skinner has also played better and match Sergei Bobrovsky in the battle of goalies. Things could get really interesting if the Oilers do manage to win Game 6. However, it only takes one more game and the Panthers are hoisting their inaugural championship in franchise history. The series is far from over, but Florida still has that advantage at the moment.
This edition of NHL predictions has a look at the storylines heading into a pivotal Game 6.
The Panthers Story
What a difference two games make. Some thought the Panthers coronation was going to be inevitable. However, the Oilers are making life difficult. Bobrovsky may have played his way out the Conn Smythe conversation with a .756 save percentage since the start of the third period in Game 3. The Panthers defensive structure has suffered in the last two losses, but they just need one more win.
One can’t fault the effort of the Panthers Matthew Tkachuk, who is the team’s leading point-getter with 22 this post-season. He tried his damnedest to prevent Edmonton from notching an empty-net goal. However, McDavid potted that goal. Despite not stopping the goal, his hustle might be something that wake the team up.
The Oilers Story
Edmonton’s offence has finally come alive after being lethargic in most of the first three games. McDavid is 10 points better than the next highest point-scorer in Evan Bouchard. However, it’s not just McDavid that’s getting the Oilers on the scoresheet. Corey Perry and others are getting on the act. McDavid’s efforts may earn him the Conn Smythe regardless of the outcome of the series.
Zach Hyman leads the post-season in goals with 15 while Leon Draisaitl is above the 30-point threshold. Skinner has also been excellent in goal after a shaky first two games. He has a .943 save percentage since the start of the third period in Game 3.
Prediction
All the signs seem to point to Edmonton forcing a Game 7. However, Florida just needs one more game. The Panthers are going to come out firing with a new focus on defence. It also always seems that the Stanley Cup in won on enemy ice in a Game 6. Florida finally puts Edmonton away.
Prediction: Panthers win 4-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We’ve got a couple of prop bets for tonight’s game. We’ll take McDavid getting the over on +1.5 points. On the Florida side, we’ll go with Carter Verhaeghe getting back on the scoresheet in a big game. Go with the over on +0.5 goals in this game.
Main photo by: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
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