The Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers meet Saturday in Game 1 of their best-of-7 Stanley Cup Final. Puck drop from Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Fla., is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN+). Below, we break down BetMGM Sportsbook’s Stanley Cup Final Game 1 prop bet odds and lines, and tab the 5 best Oilers vs. Panthers prop bets to make among SportsbookWire’s expert NHL picks and predictions.
The Oilers are in the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 2006 when they were defeated by the Carolina Hurricanes. It’s a crowning moment for C Connor McDavid, who is experiencing his first tangible playoff success after being widely regarded as the league’s best player for several years. He has 5 goals, 26 assists and 31 points in 18 games this postseason.
The Panthers have a balanced attack with big bodies on defense. They’re led by LW Matthew Tkachuk, who is arguably the toughest 200-foot matchup in the game. He has been quiet of late, though, with just 1 goal in his last 11 games.
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- Game 1 picks and predictions
Game 1: Best Oilers at Panthers prop bet picks
Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:34 p.m. ET.
Oilers LW Zach Hyman OVER 3.5 shots (-110)
Hyman has been a consistent offensive machine this postseason, leading the club with 14 goals in 18 games. He also has 4+ shots on goal in 12 of the 18. He gets credited with some cheap ones on deflections and rebounds in front of the net, which makes this one even more formidable.
Panthers C Sam Bennett OVER 2.5 shots (+105)
Bennett is a gritty, 2nd-line center that has paid dividends this postseason. He missed a few Games earlier in the playoffs due to injury and has found his stride with goals in 3 straight Games. As such, he has 4 and 5 SOG in the last 2 Games. Look for him to continue to be aggressive.
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Bennett OVER 0.5 points (+120)
Since we like him to remain aggressive with the puck, that increases his potential points output. He has a point in 8 of 12 games played in these playoffs. If you’re giving up plus-money potential, I’m going to take it to the bank.
Panthers RW Vladimir Tarasenko OVER 1.5 shots (-140)
Vladi scored the eventual game-winner in the last series against the New York Rangers. He’s seeking his 2nd Stanley Cup, and the team is leaning on his experience and wicked shot. He has 3, 2, 5 and 2 SOG in the last 4 games. He’s a near-lock to land 2 on net again.
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Panthers G Sergei Bobrovsky UNDER 2.5 goals against (-115)
Bobrovsky had a 1.89 GAA and .921 SV% in the conference final. His .855 save percentage against high-danger shots on goal (106 saves, 124 shots), according to NHL EDGE, is the best among goalies to play at least 5 games in the playoffs. Florida is 2nd in the playoffs in limiting opponents to 24.5 shots on goal per game. Bob allowed 2 goals or fewer in 13 of 17 playoff games, including 5 of the 6 in the Eastern Conference Final. I expect jitters and a slower pace for the Oilers out of the chute.
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
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