Panthers vs. Oilers Game 1 Preview & Prediction (June 4, 2025)
The NHL semi-finals were a brutal battle, but two teams fought it out to make it to the finals, and boy, did they fight. For the second time in a row, the Panthers and Oilers will face off for the Stanley Cup.
One thing is obvious: this rematch will be gnarly. Edmonton wants revenge for going home empty-handed last season after it went 7 games, and the Panthers want a repeat win—last year was their first time nabbing Lord Stanley’s Cup.
It won’t be boring, that’s for sure! Will Edmonton be able to pull it off and bring the cup home to Canada? Or will it go back to Florida again? We are gonna break down everything you need to know about the teams, players, odds, and lines, and your best bets! Sticks down, let’s go!
Game Details
- Matchup: Florida Panthers vs. Edmonton Oilers
- Series Status: –
- Date & Time: Wednesday, June 4, at 8:00 pm ET
- Location: Rogers Place, Edmonton, Alberta
- Broadcast: TNT, truTV, Max (U.S.); SN, CBC, TVAS (Canada)
Prediction Breakdown
48.9%
51.1%
According to GamblingSite.com
Team Overviews
Both teams earned their way into the finals, and we mean they really earned it. The Panthers have been playing immaculate hockey, and the Oilers ran over the Dallas Stars to get here. Here’s how the squads have fared during the regular and postseason.
Florida Panthers (Playoff Record: 12-5)
Key Players
- Sam Reinhart: Scored 81 points during the regular season—Reinhart is always a reliable finisher and a power play threat.
- Sergei Bobrovsky: Has a .935 SV% and 1.57 GAA over his last 10 playoff games. He’s tracking really well and limiting those rebounds.
Strengths
- Well-rounded attack: 10 players with 11 or more points this postseason.
- Consistent on the road: 5 straight playoff wins when they were on enemy ice.
- Head-to-head advantage: The Panthers won both games against Edmonton during the regular season (6-5 OT and 4-3).
Edmonton Oilers (Playoff Record: 12-4)
Key Players
- Connor McDavid & Leon Draisaitl: Combined for 51 points in the playoffs; no other duo has come close to this number.
- Stuart Skinner: He’s back in top form with a 1.41 GAA, .944 SV%, and 3 shutouts in his last 7 starts.
Strengths
- Explosive offense: Edmonton is averaging 4.06 goals per game in the postseason.
- Defensive upgrades: Jake Walman has brought stability to a blue line that sorely needed it.
- Revenge factor: The Oilers want payback after last year’s Game 7 loss, and they’re playing like it.
Betting Odds & Trends
Below are the latest odds and lines for Game 1 according to FanDuel:
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
Panthers | +1.5 (-235) | +108 | Over 6.5 (+110) |
Oilers | -1.5 (-186) | -130 | Under 6.5 (-134) |
NOTE: Check your sportsbook as the game gets closer, as the odds can (and do) change!
Key Matchups
We think that Game 1 will probably come down to who handles the following areas better in the 60 minutes!
Top Lines: McDavid/Draisaitl vs. Barkov/Reinhart
Edmonton’s elite scorers have carried the majority of the load during the playoffs. Florida has more structure through its first unit; Barkov takes on heavy defensive assignments, and Reinhart provides scoring when it’s needed. Whoever controls this matchup? They’ll dictate the pace during the first period.
Goaltending: Bobrovsky vs. Skinner
Bobrovsky has been really reliable under immense pressure and has managed games well in the last stretch of the postseason. Skinner has cleaned up his game in the last two rounds, but he hasn’t faced a forecheck as aggressive as Florida’s. Net play will be a huge factor if the scoring is close.
Special Teams
Florida and Edmonton have each leaned on their power plays at important points in the postseason. Penalty kills have been active, but discipline will mean everything.. A poorly timed minor or a failed clear could decide a period or the entire game.
Scoring Depth: Florida’s Balance vs. Edmonton’s Heavy Top Six
Florida gets contributions from the whole lineup, including third-line forwards and defenders jumping into the play. Edmonton has relied more on its main group up front. If Florida gets secondary production again? That could be dangerous for a thinner Oilers’ bottom six.
Best Bets
For all the fans who are gonna bet on Game 1, here are three bets that we think have the most value!
- Game 1 Moneyline: Oilers -120 | Edmonton is skating on home ice and has handled playoff pressure well during three rounds. With McDavid and Draisaitl controlling pace and zone entries? They’re in a really good spot to win the opener.
- Over 6.5 Goals: +110 | Both squads have more than enough finishing ability to get past this number. Recent head-to-heads were high-scoring, and neither side has slowed top-tier offensive pressure.
- Conn Smythe Trophy Futures (Connor McDavid: -110 and Sergei Bobrovsky: +250)
- McDavid leads all skaters in points this postseason and is the number one driving force behind Edmonton’s offense. If Florida pulls off the series win, Bobrovsky’s performance in the net will most likely be the reason, and that gives him solid value at +250.
Final Thoughts & Game 1 Prediction
Edmonton relies on its stars. Florida doesn’t. That’s the main dynamic here. The Oilers generate most of their offense from their top unit, and the Panthers spread it out. If McDavid’s line dominates, that’s probably the game. If Florida slows it down and forces the depth guys to decide it, the advantage tilts back.
Bobrovsky has already handled two aggressive forechecking teams while in the net. He is hands down one of the most efficient and in position goalies in the NHL. Skinner’s numbers have gotten better, but he needs to bring his A game.
Edmonton has started strong in every series, and having home ice with last change gives them the early advantage. But if the pace drags and it gets physical? Florida’s better equipped to handle that.
There’s really no reason this number should be plus money; there’s too much finishing talent and too many power play weapons. The total is the clearest angle in our opinion.
Our Final Score Prediction: Edmonton Oilers 4, Florida Panthers 3 (OT)
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This feels like it’ll be a close opener that breaks open in the second period. Edmonton gets the lead early and survives the push.
