Oilers vs Panthers Game 3 Prediction, Odds & Best Bet: Can Edmonton Steal One in Florida?

The Stanley Cup Final heads south with the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers tied 1-1 after a pair of insane nail-biting finishes. Game 1 needed overtime, and Game 2 outdid that and took 2 of them. These teams are throwing haymakers, but the series now shifts to Sunrise, FL, where the Panthers will look to feed off their home crowd and swing the momentum in their favor.

But will that be enough for them to take the lead in the series 2-1? Only one team can come out on top and take the series lead.

Game Details & Latest Betting Odds

Game 3 is set for tonight and the puck drops with the Panthers back home after splitting the first 2 games in Edmonton. Each of the games so far has been decided by a single goal, and both went past regulation. That’s what happens when you get the best of the best going head-to-head in a Stanley Cup rematch.

Florida enters as a slight favorite on the moneyline, listed at -142 while Edmonton, on the other hand, is +120 to win outright. The puck line has the Panthers at -1.5 at +170, and the Oilers at +1.5 at -205. The bookmakers expect another high-scoring game, with the over/under set at 6.5 goals. The over is even money at +100, while the under is juiced at -120.

These odds reflect what we’ve seen so far in this series — 2 explosive offenses that can score in bunches, backed by goalies being pushed to their limits. However, the odds tipping slightly in favor of the Panthers most likely boils down to momentum and home ice.

Series Recap — What We’ve Learned So Far

Game 1 saw the Oilers claw out a 4-3 overtime win behind timely goals and just enough goaltending to get the job done. Game 2 looked like Edmonton might escape again — Corey Perry tied the game with just 18 seconds left in regulation—but Brad Marchand ended it in 2OT with his second goal of the night, giving Florida a 5-4 win and evening the series at a game a piece.

Through 2 games, there’s a clear theme — special teams and depth scoring are swinging momentum. Sure, the big names are doing their part, but there’s plenty of help across the board.

Florida’s physical edge was impossible to miss in Game 2. They outhit the Oilers 60-39 and forced a whopping 23 giveaways. Their aggressive style led to more power play opportunities and better control in the corners. The Panthers also won 54.3% of faceoffs and blocked 15 shots. Those are gritty, playoff-winning plays and it’s no wonder they had the lead up until the final seconds of the game.

Edmonton wasn’t far off, though. They fired 46 shots on the net in Game 2 and went 1-for-6 on the power play. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl continue to do what they do best as McDavid had 2 helpers, bringing his total to 25 this postseason, while Draisaitl scored his 10th goal of the playoffs.

They aren’t doing it alone as you might expect. Evan Bouchard added his 7th goal of the playoffs and Perry’s tying goal late in the 3rd period showed the team’s resilience down to the wire. Even in a losing effort, Edmonton showed they can dictate pace. They also blocked 24 shots and controlled long stretches of 5-on-5 play.

The Panthers leaned on Brad Marchand, who now has 7 playoff goals after his 2 goal night. Sam Reinhart continues to be a steady offensive presence, with 81 points and 39 goals this season, though he didn’t record any points in Game 2. Evan Rodrigues quietly added another assist in Game 2, bringing his postseason total to 12 helpers.

Looking at team stats from the playoffs so far, the Oilers are averaging 4.06 GF/G, the highest among postseason teams. Florida sits just behind at 3.89 GF/G. The biggest difference is efficiency — Florida is converting on 13.9% of their shots compared to Edmonton’s 12.5%. That might not seem like a lot, but over the span of the playoffs, it’s a big gap.

But where the Panthers really shine is in their PK unit. They’ve shut down 86.8% of opposing power plays, while Edmonton’s sits at a shaky 66%, and on top of that, Brad Marchand notched a shorthanded goal in Game 2 as well.

That’s the X-factor we’re thinking about heading into Game 3.

Prediction & Best Bet

This game feels like a true toss-up, but Edmonton showed in Game 2 that they can tilt the ice when they push the tempo.

Their top line continues to generate chances, and their power play is due to break through. Florida’s physical edge only takes them so far — eventually, giving the Oilers 6 power plays will burn you and if they don’t play more disciplined hockey, they’ll be done for.

Edmonton has the tools to take a 2-1 series lead even though momentum and home ice favor the Panthers. We’re looking for McDavid and Draisaitl to once again lead the charge, but expect secondary players like Bouchard or Perry to deliver the key moments when they matter the most.

• HelloRookie’s Prediction: Oilers 3, Panthers 2
• Best Bet: Edmonton Oilers moneyline at +120

With 2 overtime games behind them, we’re going to stay away from the puck line. Sure, there’s a chance that one team or the other could get a last-second empty-netter, but that’s all you would be betting on at this point. While we wish we could find better odds for this game, taking the Oilers on the moneyline at +120 is about as good as it gets.