Best NHL Prop Bets Today: Back the Panthers to Close Out the Series

After winning game five of the Stanley Cup Finals, the Florida Panthers are now just one win away from winning their second straight championship. They have been the better team as of late as they have outpaced the Edmonton Oilers in Expected Goals while receiving a much higher level of play from their goaltending. This helps limit the amount of variance in their contests which increases the Panthers' chances of securing the win.

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

Florida Panthers Puck Line -1.5

Just when it looked like the Florida Panthers may have met their match earlier in the series in regard to Expected Goals, the reigning Stanley Cup champions came roaring back in dominant fashion by outclassing the Edmonton Oilers on both sides of the ice in game five. Speaking of Expected Goals, the Panthers edged out the Oilers 2.89-1.92 with three of their five goals clocking in at 0.15 or higher.

Not only have the Panthers resurgence on offense played a major role in their recent success, but their defense being able to bottle up the Oilers high powered front line have helped them pull away on the scoreboard. A high level of play that we have been accustomed to this season as the Panthers back line ranks near the top of the board in Expected Goals Against in All Situations. With advantages at all three areas of the ice, expect the Panthers to close out the series and win their second straight championship.

Sam Bennett Anytime Goalscorer

Sam Bennett has had no issue with pressuring the Oilers net in the Stanley Cup Finals as the Panthers star center has scored five goals in five games while averaging three Shots on Goal per game. In game five alone, Bennett managed to find the back of the net in the first period while generating an Expected Goal of 0.58. With the Oilers back line harshly regressing on defense, Bennett will continue to have the opportunity to exploit their gaps in coverage to help increase the quality of his shot attempts.

Evan Bouchard Over 2.5 Shots on Goal

Even though the Oilers front line have struggled to pressure the net, their star power alone still forces the Panthers to stretch out their coverage. This opens up wider shooting lanes for Evan Bouchard to exploit which increases his chances of generating a Shot on Goal. Especially if the Panthers are forced to shift their coverage towards the side which opens up the middle for Bouchard to fire a shot closer to the net. Should the total on Bouchard’s Shots on Goal prop climb up to 3.5, then reduce the size of your wager.