NHL Best Bets
Most people say there’s always a feeling-out process in the first game of a new series, especially in the Stanley Cup Final, but I have a different feeling about this one. I’m anticipating more of a run-and-gun Game 1 on Saturday night in Sunrise, Fla.
Let’s get into some NHL best bets.
Edmonton at Florida (-135, 5.5)
The Florida Panthers have been an absolute wagon throughout the entire playoffs and the main reason why they have been successful is their commitment to defending. The Panthers shut down the Tampa Bay Lightning, Boston Bruins and New York Rangers, who all have stars like Nikita Kucherov, David Pastrnak, and Artemi Panarin. I am not trying to take away any credit from those three players, but facing Connor McDavid is a whole different kind of animal.
Offensively, there aren’t many teams more dangerous than the Oilers. Leading into the Stanley Cup Final, Edmonton is averaging 3.50 goals per game and their power play is at an incredible 37.3%. Not to mention, the Oilers are also generating 28.9 shots per game, but that number is a bit skewed since they only put up 10 shots on goal in their series clincher against the Dallas Stars.
Sergei Bobrovsky and the Florida Panthers haven’t been tested that much when it comes to the shots on goal department. The Panthers are only allowing 24.5 shots against per game, but like I said, I wouldn’t expect that low of a count against the Panthers.
I anticipate the Oilers to come out firing in Game One as they try to set the tone for the series on the road.
When it comes to tone setting, Leon Draisaitl is one of the best guys to do it. Draisaitl is second on the Oilers in goals with 10 and has also put up 57 shots on goal in 18 games this postseason. Draisaitl is going to come out firing in my opinion.
Game One will be very exciting, I don’t really expect the whole feeling out process.
NHL Best Bets: Sergei Bobrovsky over 24.5 saves -110 (play to -130) | Leon Draisaitl over 2.5 shots on goal -125 (play to -140)
June Record: 2-1 (+1.00 units)
2023-24 record: 194–177 (-14.92 units)
