Panic time is approaching for the Panthers.
They had a chance to sweep the Oilers in the Stanley Cup Final, but things turned around and Florida will return to Canada for Game 6 with a possible Game 7 looming.
The Oilers enter Game 6 on home ice as slim -120 favorites with a shot at history to bring the series back to Sunset Arena.
There have been nine times in NHL history when a team has rallied from a 3-0 series deficit to force a Game 7, with four of those teams winning Game 7.
However, in the history of the Stanley Cup Finals, this has only happened once before, when the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Red Wings in 1942.
Before we can get excited about Edmonton becoming just the second hockey team to make Cup Final history, they first need to win at home as -120 favorites with BetMGM.
Panthers vs Oilers predictions
With Sergei Bobrovsky no longer the overwhelming favorite to win the Conn Smythe Trophy, things seem to be falling apart for Florida.
Stuart Skinner appears to be the favored goaltender in this matchup so far, holding the Panthers to an impressive save percentage of 93.8% over the past two games.
Skinner pulled off the same Houdini-like performance against the Dallas Stars in their last series, with the Stars seemingly dominating Skinner before dashing their dreams in Games 5 and 6.
The Oilers’ offense was fueled by Connor McDavid, who returned to his roots as the league’s best passer, setting an NHL playoff record for assists.
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If McDavid gets going early and Edmonton gets out to a quick lead in Game 6, the Panthers may not be able to bounce back in what will surely be a raucous arena.
The Oilers won Game 4 in Edmonton, 8-1.
But for now, the Panthers are expected to make this a close game.
Expect overtime in Edmonton and an even tougher game in South Florida.
Picks: 60 Minute Result – Draw (+310, DraftKings) | Sam Bennett Over 2.5 Shots on Goal (+142, FanDuel)
