Best NHL Prop Bets Today: Expect the Oilers Offense to Struggle in Game One

The stage is set with the Florida Panthers looking to defend their title against the Edmonton Oilers in a rematch from last year’s Stanley Cup Final. Even though the Oilers are listed as the small betting favorite to win the Stanley Cup this time around, history may repeat itself as the devastating injury to Zach Hyman may hamper their ability to break through the Panthers vaunted back line.

Florida Panthers vs. Edmonton Oilers - Prop Bets (8:00 PM, EST)

Edmonton Oilers Team Total Under 3.5

The Edmonton Oilers offense have been a juggernaut throughout the playoffs as they head into the Stanley Cup Finals ranked second overall in Expected Goals For in All Situations with an average of 3.58 Expected Goals per game. Unfortunately for Edmonton, they are dealing with injuries at the worst possible time as Zach Hyman has been ruled out for the remainder of the playoffs. Hyman played a key role in their offense, primarily in regard to scoring, as the forward averaged 0.52 Expected Goals per game.

With Hyman out, the Florida Panthers can shade more of their coverage towards Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in an attempt to slow down their stars. The Panthers defense already excels in coverage as their back line leads all playoff contenders in Expected Goals Against in All Situations. Sergei Bobrovsky has also managed to play at a very high level throughout the postseason as the former Vezina Trophy winner is averaging just 2.11 Goals Against per game and a 0.912 Save Percentage.

Florida Panthers Puck Line -1.5

Speaking of goaltending, negative regression looms large over Stuart Skinner as he will be tasked with having to wall off an offense who excels at pressuring the net. For the year, the Panthers finished the season ranked second overall in Expected Goals For in All Situations with an average of 3.49 Expected Goals per game and have been able to nearly match their output by averaging 3.31 in the playoffs. Escalator bet the Panthers puck line by sprinkling smaller wagers on their alternate spreads.

Matthew Tkachuk Anytime Goalscorer

It has been a quiet postseason for Matthew Tkachuk as the Panthers star forward has only managed to score five goals in 17 games. Fortunately for Tkachuk, he is in a favorable position to round back into form as he currently averages an Expected Goal of 0.47 and over three Shots on Goal per game. Especially with Edmonton’s Stuart Skinner prone to poor performances as the Oilers goalie averaged 2.81 Goals Against per game and a .896 Save Percentage throughout the regular season.