The Edmonton Oilers are set to host the Florida Panthers in Game 2 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final on Friday night, aiming to establish a commanding 2-0 series lead. Edmonton claimed a dramatic 4-3 come-from-behind overtime victory in Game 1 on Wednesday, sealed by Leon Draisaitl`s power-play goal with just 31 seconds remaining in the extra period. The puck drop for Game 2 is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET at Rogers Place in Edmonton.
Looking at the latest betting lines for Oilers vs. Panthers, Edmonton is listed as a -131 favorite on the money line, meaning a $131 wager is required to win $100. The Florida Panthers are the underdog at +110 (a $100 bet yields $110). The total number of goals expected is set at 6.5, with the Oilers at -1.5 (+185) on the puck line. Before placing any bets on this matchup, consulting predictions from SportsLine`s established model is recommended.
The SportsLine Projection Model rigorously simulates every NHL game 10,000 times. Entering the initial week of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, the model holds a strong combined record of 80-56 on top-rated NHL puck-line and over/under betting picks, generating over $1,600 in returns for $100 bettors. Those who have followed the model`s advice at various sportsbooks and betting platforms have seen significant profits.
Here are the model`s top picks for the Oilers vs. Panthers game on Friday (note that odds may fluctuate):
- Panthers +1.5 on the puck line (-226)
- Under 6.5 total goals (-125)
The model favors the Panthers covering the +1.5 puck line. Game 1 marked the fourth consecutive one-goal contest between these two teams, extending back to Game 7 of last year`s Stanley Cup Final. This trend suggests Game 2 is also likely to be closely contested. SportsLine`s model projects that Florida will successfully cover the puck line in well over 70% of simulations.
Despite the trend of high-scoring games (over 6.5 goals in the last three meetings), the model leans towards a lower-scoring affair in Game 2, projecting Under 6.5 total goals. The expectation is that both teams will step up their defensive efforts. Sergei Bobrovsky delivered an outstanding performance in Game 1, stopping 42 shots, highlighting the need for Florida`s defense to provide solid support. Similarly, the Oilers` defense must perform strongly to help Stuart Skinner have a successful night in net.
For those interested in parlay bets for Friday`s Game 2 of Panthers vs. Oilers, the model also offers its top recommendations.
