The Stanley Cup Playoffs did not disappoint in Game 1 as Florida and Edmonton battled for nearly 80 minutes. Florida built a two-goal lead only to see Edmonton tie the game in regulation. From there, it appeared a second overtime might be needed. Then, a penalty resulted in an Edmonton power play goal that sent the fans home happy.
What may happen in Game 2?
Let us take a closer look.
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Florida And Edmonton, Something Felt Different
Like we mentioned above, Florida went up 3-1 in Game 1, and yet something felt different. Edmonton has rebounded so many times in the past two postseasons. Just ask Los Angeles what happens when a team sits back. Florida probably did not realize they were doing this until it was too late. Will it be a lesson that the Panthers learn from?
A healthy Leon Draisaitl makes a huge difference. Even with the loss of Zach Hyman, the Oilers are clearly better off against a Florida team more suited to attack and keep attacking. One trend to keep an eye on will be the second period. Florida seemed to dominate during the period of the long line change.
Edmonton was able to adjust, but Florida must fix their issues. The Oilers are a team one cannot play fire with. Edmonton’s ability to create slot chances during the man advantage and even-strength play was a game changer. Three of the Oilers’ four high-danger chances during the second period were generated from that slot presence.
Both goalies were solid, and at times excellent, in Game 1. Sergei Bobrovsky faced 46 shots in almost four periods. Stuart Skinner saw 32. That is a pace of 19.5 per period (okay, 20). If that continues, bettors and fans alike are in for a heck of a Stanley Cup Final.
Okay, keeping things simple is essential here. Florida losing two road games in a row feels unlikely in these playoffs. Edmonton winning Game 1 seemed odd until it was not. Florida knows it needs another gear and has shown it in these playoffs. Taking them to even the series is not a shock.
Stanley Cup Final Game 2 First Bet: Florida Panthers moneyline (+110 via DraftKings)
Florida And Edmonton Series Update
Here are the numbers heading into Game 2:
- Edmonton was a -130 favorite to win Game 1 and a -120 favorite to win the series.
- Florida was Even, depending on the sportsbook.
- As expected, Game 2 features Edmonton at -210 to win the series, with Florida now a +180 underdog.
Florida and Edmonton do not have many outward injuries. A.J. Greer is the only questionable player at this juncture. It is not to suggest everyone is playing at 100%. Thankfully, that will not move the needle from a betting standpoint.
Edmonton showed the ability to manufacture goals and generate slot presence. The longer series reality feels right there. Both teams showed in Game 1 that they are the two best in the NHL. Again, only a “tired” mistake kept this game from going into a second overtime.
Florida missed some glorious scoring chances, and Edmonton did too. The difference is that Florida paid for it. Florida expects to come out geared to prove they learned from their mistakes. The Panthers’ price is a good one at this juncture.
Series Market Wager: Florida to win the series (+190 via BetMGM).
How About A Final Bet For Game 2?
Hey, will there be more goals in Game 2? That answer is likely yes. Now, one of the fundamental things is that Edmonton needs its skaters to skate. Players like Evan Bouchard have to create. Bouchard attempted 12 shots in Game 1 and will probably come close to that in Game 2.
Bouchard had seven shots on target in nearly 80 minutes in Game 1. I took the series shot prop for the defenseman, so here we go.
Last Call: Evan Bouchard Over 2.5 Shots in regulation (+142 via FanDuel).
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