Overview
As the Edmonton Oilers head back to home ice, they are determined to reclaim momentum in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final. Set to host the Florida Panthers on Thursday for Game 3, Edmonton hopes to turn the tide after a disheartening 4-1 defeat in Game 2 on Monday. This is the Oilers' first appearance in the Stanley Cup Final since 2006, and trailing two games to none, the stakes couldn't be higher.
Game 2 Recap: Rodrigues Shines
Game 2 saw Evan Rodrigues rise to the occasion for the Panthers, scoring two pivotal goals. Rodrigues broke a tie just 3:11 into the third period, propelling Florida within two wins of their first championship in franchise history. However, Florida's aspirations might hit a snag as the status of captain Aleksander Barkov remains uncertain. Barkov sustained an apparent head injury following a high hit from Edmonton's Leon Draisaitl in the third period of Game 2.
NHL Odds and Trends
For those keeping an eye on the betting lines, the odds for the Oilers versus Panthers matchup currently stand at:
- Money line: Edmonton -134, Florida +113
- Over/under: 5.5 goals
- Puck line: Edmonton -1.5 (+198)
Two key trends to note: Edmonton has been outscored 13-1 in the third period over their last nine games, while Florida is 5-2 when trailing after one period this postseason.
Why You Should Back the Oilers
Despite their recent struggles, the Oilers have potential advantages. Edmonton managed to nab a 1-0 lead in Game 2 on their first shot, thanks to a goal from Mattias Ekholm at 11:17 of the first period. Ekholm, a 34-year-old Swede, has been a surprising offensive force, tallying five goals in the playoffs, including crucial contributions in their second-round series against the Vancouver Canucks.
Captain Connor McDavid remains Edmonton's linchpin, earning his 27th assist of the playoffs in Game 2. McDavid is just four assists short of matching Wayne Gretzky's all-time record for most assists in one postseason, set in 1988. Leading all players with 32 points in these playoffs, McDavid has been kept off the scoresheet in only five of Edmonton's 20 games and has posted a series-high nine shots on goal over the first two contests.
For Edmonton to stage a comeback, they will need to capitalize on McDavid’s playmaking skills and offensive firepower, while also getting consistent contributions from their blue line.
Why You Should Back the Panthers
On the other side, the Panthers have shown remarkable resilience and defensive prowess. Evan Rodrigues has emerged as a key player, scoring a multi-goal performance in Game 2, which marked a historical first for Florida in the Stanley Cup Final. Rodrigues has beaten Edmonton goaltender Stuart Skinner on all three of his shots in the series. The 30-year-old center, in his first season with the Panthers, is delivering when it matters the most.
Florida's defense has been stellar, allowing only six goals during their current five-game winning streak. Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky has been exceptional, saving all but one of Edmonton’s 51 shots in the Final and conceding fewer than three goals in 12 of his last 13 outings.
Additional contributions from players like Sam Bennett bolster Florida’s bid for their first Stanley Cup title. Bennett extended his point streak to five games with an assist on defenseman Aaron Ekblad’s empty-net goal in Game 2. The 27-year-old has been a reliable performer, registering points in seven of his last eight contests and 10 of 14 games overall this postseason.
The Battle for Momentum
Both teams understand the significance of momentum in this high-stakes series. The Oilers aim to leverage their home-ice advantage to secure a much-needed win, while the Panthers look to maintain their dominance and edge closer to their first Stanley Cup championship.
As Game 3 approaches, hockey fans are on the edge of their seats, waiting to see if the Oilers can mount a comeback or if the Panthers will continue their remarkable postseason run.