Oilers vs Panthers Prediction, Picks, and Odds for Tonight’s NHL Playoff Game

Sergei Bobrovsky had a stinker in Game 4, but with the Oilers likely to put an emphasis on testing him, our NHL picks see Bob eating plenty of pucks in Game 5.

Neil Parker - Analyst at Covers.com
Neil Parker • Betting Analyst
Jun 18, 2024 • 15:00 ET • 4 min read
Sergei Bobrovsky Florida Panthers NHL
Photo By - USA TODAY Sports

The Stanley Cup Final returns to Sunrise on June 18 following an 8-1 win by the Edmonton Oilers to extend the series against the Florida Panthers.

Florida still holds a commanding 3-1 series lead, and my Oilers vs. Panthers predictions aren't buying Bobrovsky's Game 4 performance. Find out how I'm riding Bob in my NHL picks ahead.

Oilers vs Panthers prediction

My best bet
Sergei Bobrovsky Over 25.5 saves (-105 at Sports Interaction)

My analysis
Sergei Bobrovsky has bounced back in each of his past three postseason starts after allowing four or more goals, posting an elite .943 SV% while surrendering just four total goals, and I expect him to be sharp in Game 5.

Bobrovsky has also been better on home ice throughout the playoffs, with a .921 SV% and 1.90 GAA compared to .896 and 2.69 marks on the highway.

The Edmonton Oilers have registered 32 or more shots in three of the first four games of this series, and there's no reason to believe they won't continue peppering Bob. Edmonton has also won the overall shot share (54.0%) in the series, while the 5-on-5 possession has been almost even (Oilers have a 49.4 Corsi For percentage). 

Edmonton has 12 lineup regulars with a 50% or higher shot share at 5-on-5 for the series, too, and the Oilers have converted a sustainable 48.4% of their attempts into shots. For comparison, Edmonton sat at 51.5% during the regular season and 46.4% through the first three rounds of the playoffs.

Simply put, the Florida Panthers haven’t been able to suppress Edmonton’s shot volume in three of the four games, and the Cats have needed to rely on Bobrovsky. With the season on the line, I’m anticipating the Oilers prioritizing putting pucks on net and testing Bob early and often — especially since he was pulled in Game 4.

Oilers vs Panthers same-game parlay (SGP)

Panthers moneyline

Under 1.5 first-period goals

Under 5.5 goals

The Panthers have been an entirely different team on home ice, with just 2.0 goals against per game and a stingy 2.24 expected goals against per 60 minutes.

I also value Bobrovsky’s highlighted improved play at Amerant Bank Arena, and I’m not anticipating Edmonton starter Stuart Skinner turning in a .970 SV% with just a single goal allowed despite Edmonton surrendering 3.84 expected goals.

Additionally, I expect Florida to look to keep this a low-scoring game and prioritize playing sound defense. An added focus on defensive detail from the Panthers will limit their own offensive opportunities in addition to preventing high-danger scoring chances for the Oilers.

The Cats having the advantage of last change to create more on-ice matchups in their favor will also help them hold the Oilers' offense in check.

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

Oilers vs Panthers odds

Oilers vs Panthers live odds

Oilers vs Panthers opening odds

  • Puck line: Edmonton +1.5 (-225) | Florida -1.5 (+180)
  • Moneyline: Edmonton +115 | Florida -135
  • Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-110) | Under 5.5 (-110)

Oilers vs Panthers moneyline and Over/Under analysis

  • There has been slight movement to this moneyline at Pinnacle since opening at Florida -130 Sunday morning. The Panthers moved as steep as -143 before buyback on the Oilers came in Sunday evening.
  • While this is already a mature market, and I’m not expecting a huge shift in the numbers, there’s potential for an increase in betting action and minor movement ahead of puck drop Tuesday evening.
  • This total is a consensus 5.5, and there hasn’t been notable movement to the odds. Sports Interaction has the Under carrying the higher vig, which is consistent with other shops.

Sports Interaction: Canada’s home for NHL

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Oilers vs Panthers trend

The Oilers have 32 or more shots in three of the four games in the Stanley Cup Final. Find more NHL betting trends for Oilers vs. Panthers.

Oilers vs Panthers game info

Location: Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise, FL
Date: Tuesday, 6-18-2024
Puck drop: 8:00 p.m. ET
TV: ABC, Sportsnet

Oilers vs Panthers latest injuries

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Betting Analyst

Neil Parker is, first and foremost, a sports fan. A huge supporter of the Cowboys, Cubs, and Maple Leafs, he has managed to parlay his passion into writing gigs with Sportsbook Review, USA TODAY, theScore, DraftKings Playbook, and RotoWire, among many others. He also co-hosted the Daily Fantasy Edge podcast and can now be seen offering expert golf and hockey advice on Covers’ Before you Bet broadcast.

Neil takes a numbers-based approach to his handicapping and complements his in-depth statistical analysis with a keen eye on the markets to provide the best available odds. He loves to lean on his rolodex of idioms to offset his inner nerd. When it comes to wagering, he throws down on anything that catches his eye at bet365, Betway and BetVictor. He also keeps a close eye on CoolBet because the polar bear brand often has outlier NHL and NFL moneyline prices.

Neil graduated with honors from St. Thomas University in 2007 before completing his BEd at Acadia University in 2010. After teaching a myriad of courses and subjects, he found a groove delivering fun lessons to exceptional learners in non-traditional classroom environments. If his decade-plus teaching run taught him anything about sports betting, it’s to stay the course and use the summer – or offseason – to refresh and prepare to be better in the year to come.

Neil’s top pieces of advice for recreational bettors are to stay within your means and to remember sportsbooks aren’t bank accounts. Don’t be afraid to pull those winnings and treat yourself to a lifetime experience courtesy of a big win.

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