The Panthers didn’t show up in Edmonton for Game 4, but if they win Game 5, South Florida will be throwing a party.
Florida is a slight -135 home favorite at BetMGM Sportsbook with a chance to pull off a gentlemanly victory in the Stanley Cup Final.
The Oilers dominated Game 4, winning 8-1, thanks to the star duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draiseitel.
McDavid and Draisaitel combined for five assists in Saturday’s lopsided win.
They have a chance to fight back against Edmonton in Game 5 and make the game interesting.
Oilers vs Panthers Game 5 Predictions
(8 p.m. ET, ABC)
According to Money Pac, the Oilers should have won three games based on advanced statistics.
Edmonton ranks very well analytically, winning Game 1 63.3 percent of the time, Game 2 28.3 percent of the time, Game 3 91.1 percent of the time and Game 4 82.5 percent of the time.
But the Oilers are trailing 3-1 and it won’t be easy for them to bounce back.
For example, Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky was ejected from Game 4 after allowing five goals on 23 shots. It’s hard to imagine that happening again.
Additionally, Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner, who had a dominant performance in Game 4, stopping 32 of 33 shots, had a save percentage of just 89.8 percent.
If he can continue his dominance, the Oilers will have a good chance to take the series back to Edmonton.
It’s a bit of a stretch to expect Carter Verhaeghe and Matthew Tkachuk to continue their offensive slump in Game 5.
Do you bet on the NHL?
Florida should be able to finish this game with a bang.
Before you wait for the live spots, bet the Panthers up to -142.
Pick: Panthers ML (-135, BetMGM)
