Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers will be played tonight at 8 p.m. ET at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. It will be broadcast on TNT, TruTV and streamed on Max.
After a Conference Finals filled with rematch storylines, the only appropriate thing is to end these playoffs with another rematch. Last year’s Stanley Cup Final was an eventful one, where the Panthers took a 3-0 lead, only to give up three straight wins to the Oilers. Ultimately, it was the Panthers that came away with Lord Stanley’s Cup in Game 7.
Check out my Panthers vs. Oilers pick and NHL odds for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final on Wednesday, June 4.
Panthers vs. Oilers Game 1 Prediction, Pick, Odds
| Panthers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -218 | 6.5 105o / -125u | +110 |
| Oilers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 +180 | 6.5 105o / -125u | -130 |
- Panthers vs. Oilers puck line: Panthers +1.5, Oilers -1.5
- Panthers vs. Oilers over/under: 6.5
- Panthers vs. Oilers moneyline: Panthers +110, Oilers -130
Florida Panthers Preview: Eyes on the Second Cup
It’s hard to imagine a state more successful in hockey than the state of Florida. For the past six seasons, the Eastern Conference has been represented by teams from Florida. The first three originated with the Tampa Bay Lightning, and the following three were represented by the Panthers.
Florida has been the ultimate powerhouse for years and it looks to win its second consecutive Stanley Cup.
It seemed like the Panthers were down and out, though. Even though Matthew Tkachuk has been putting up points, Elliotte Friedman went on his podcast, 32 Thoughts, a few weeks ago and talked about how visibly hampered he was. Sam Reinhart is dealing with an injury, and Sam Bennett was dealing with an injury before the playoffs started.
But it’s all systems go for the Cats and nothing is getting in the way of their journey to greatness.
Coach Paul Maurice has his boys playing at an elite 5-on-5 pace. It was total domination on the Carolina Hurricanes in expected goals in the Eastern Conference Finals with a 53.38 xGF%.
What has been of intrigue during the playoffs, though, is the Panthers' inability to score on the power play at home. Luckily for them, this game is in Edmonton, so maybe Lady Luck on the power play knocks on their front door.
Sergei Bobrovsky has been a force in these playoffs, continually improving after every game.
While he started slow, the glow up is undeniable. During the Eastern Conference Finals against Carolina, he dominated with a .938 SV% and over the past 10 games has registered an 11.1 GSAx.
Edmonton Oilers Preview: Yearning for Revenge
It almost seemed like the second Florida captured the Eastern Conference Championship, you saw a second gear out of the Oilers.
Edmonton looked ready to pounce in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, scoring three goals in the first 10 minutes of the game, and totally breaking the Dallas Stars. Seriously, it looks like their coach may get fired due to how much the Oilers broke them.
Connor McDavid was his usual superstar self in the Conference Finals, with nine points in the five games played. Along with him, Leon Draisaitl matched McDavid’s total, solidifying the Oilers with the deadliest 1-2 punch in the NHL.
The Oilers will, however, be without Zach Hyman, who broke his wrist during Game 4 against the Stars.
Edmonton simply outclassed the Stars, outdueling them at 5-on-5 play with a 51.76 xGF% and converting on its power play at a 38% clip.
What will be most interesting is watching Stuart Skinner.
You all know how I feel about Skinner. He’s one of the most unpredictable goaltenders in the NHL, and when he’s on, he’s one of the more dominating goalies in the league. When he’s not, eight-year-olds who are just learning how to skate can score on him.
The question is, will the lights be too bright for him? He almost came away with the Cup last season, and he has one of the more deadly Big 3s in the NHL in front of him. He’s just going to need to hash it out with Florida’s disruptors in Tkachuk and Bennett.
Oilers vs. Panthers Best Bet
As much as I love my Oiler Overs, it’s too risky a play. It’s more likely that we see a tight-checking battle considering the stakes and usually Game 1 begins as a feeling-out process.
I will say, though, if Skinner starts showing any signs of shakiness, keep an eye on live betting, because it could get ugly quick.
Last time these two played in the Stanley Cup in Game 1, Florida came on top 3-0, including an empty net goal, and I like to play the trends.
Admittedly, I’m a little surprised that the Oilers are semi-heavy favorites. I thought lines would be a little closer than this, given how both teams easily walked through the Conference Finals.
Edmonton is going to want to run and gun to start, but I think Florida will tighten things up. Give me an under here because 6.5 is always a large total, even for a team like the Oilers.
Pick: Under 6.5 (-125)
How to Watch Oilers vs. Panthers
- Location: Rogers Place, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Date: Wenesday, June 4, 2025
- Puck Drop: 8:00 p.m. ET
- TV/Streaming: TNT
