Oilers vs. Panthers Score Prediction

Barkov Injury Adds Suspense to Game 3

The Panthers, back in the Stanley Cup Finals for the second straight season, seek to extend their lead to 3-0 as the best-of-seven series shifts west to Edmonton. Unsurprisingly, the Panthers have seen their Cup odds climb from -130 to -450 since Game 1.

That said, not all is well with Florida. Aleksander Barkov, the Panthers’ captain, was knocked out of Game 2 after a controversial hit by Leon Draisaitl. Barkov is among the Panthers’ leading scorers with 19 points (6 goals, 13 assists) in 19 postgame games following a strong regular season (23 goals, 57 assists, 80 points).

Edmonton, seeking to become the first Canadian team to win the Cup in 31 years, faces a serious challenge as it heads home. The Oilers last overcame a 2-0 deficit in Round 2 of the 2006 playoffs against San Jose.

Read on as we break down the Oilers vs Panthers Game 3 betting odds. 

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Oilers vs. Panthers Recent Scores

Since trailing New York 2-1 in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Florida Panthers have reeled off five straight wins to move closer to their first Stanley Cup. It’s their first winning streak of five or more since they won seven in a row from April 9 to April 25. That streak coincided with the end of the regular season and the start of the playoffs.

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Barkov Knocked Out of Game 2

Evan Rodrigues notched a pair of third-period goals, Niko Mikkola and Aaron Ekblad also scored and the Panthers (-130 moneyline) stymied the Oilers’ star-studded top line to grab a commanding 2-0 series lead.

Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 18 shots, boosting his postseason save percentage to .916.

Unfortunately for Florida, the win came at a cost. The Panthers lost Barkov, on a high hit by Draisaitl midway through the third. Barkov remained down for several minutes and needed help getting off the ice.

Panthers coach Paul Maurice was mum on Barkov’s condition postgame, which will only fuel speculation about his availability for Game 3.

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Oilers vs. Panthers Betting Preview

History Not on Oilers’ Side

Only five teams have overcome a 2-0 deficit to win the Stanley Cup. Thus, the odds are stacked against the Oilers as they seek to end their championship drought.

The Oilers’ prolific offense has struggled to generate chances, producing only 51 shots through two games on Bobrovsky. On top of that, their league-leading power play was 0-for-4 in Game 2 and hasn’t scored since Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals against Dallas.

Panthers in Driver’s Seat

Florida now sits two wins from its first Stanley Cup. The Panthers have been dominant thus far, outscoring the high-powered Oilers 7-1. They’ve gotten help from unlikely suspects such as Mikkola, whose Game 2 goal was only his fifth this season (regular season and playoffs combined).

They have also impressively kept Edmonton’s top scorers in check. Connor McDavid and Draisaitl have combined for one point through two games.

Keep that in mind when making your NHL picks and parlays.

Oilers vs. Panthers Odds Breakdown

Before our Oilers betting analysis and Panthers game predictions, the updated Panthers vs Oilers Game 3 betting odds. 

Florida had been favored every game this postseason, no matter the situation. After covering Games 1 and 2 at home, the Panthers now hit the road. Ironically, that is where they’ve done most of their damage.

The Panthers are 32-12-5 away from home, including 6-1-1 in the playoffs. They covered the puck line in 65.8% of their regular-season road games, matching the second-highest rate in the NHL.

Conversely, the Oilers – who were +105 underdogs in Game 2 – are just 44-58 against the puck line. Edmonton Oilers has been a bit more reliable at home, though (26-24 against the puck line).

Oilers vs. Panthers Final Score Prediction

This was poised to be a long series, and it still is despite Florida’s dominant start. Although Maurice hasn’t shed much light on the NHL injury report, losing Barkov would be a serious blow to the Panthers’ hopes of wrapping things up in Edmonton. It could be enough to tilt the Panthers vs Oilers Game 3 betting odds.

McDavid and Draisaitl have been too quiet for too long. With their backs against the wall, look for the Oilers to respond in Game 3 and trim the deficit in half. We’re taking a 4-2 Oilers win.

Discover the latest stats and trends of this matchup here:

• Oilers vs. Panthers Matchup