Game 1 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final will feature the Edmonton Oilers hosting the Florida Panthers this Wednesday. This highly anticipated series is a rematch of last year`s Final, where Florida emerged victorious in seven thrilling games.
The Panthers reached the Final after a decisive five-game series win against the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final. Meanwhile, the Oilers secured their spot by rallying past the Dallas Stars, also winning their Western Conference Final series in five games. Puck drop for Game 1 is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET at Rogers Place in Edmonton.
According to the latest odds, Edmonton is favored at -130 on the moneyline (bet $130 to win $100), while Florida is the underdog at +110 (bet $100 to win $110). The over/under for total goals is set at 6.0, and the Oilers are -1.5 (+185) on the puck line.
Before placing bets on the Panthers vs. Oilers game, consulting NHL predictions from a proven sports model is advisable. SportsLine`s Projection Model, for example, simulates every NHL game 10,000 times. Heading into the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, this model boasts a strong combined record of 80-56 on top-rated NHL puck-line and over/under betting picks, reportedly generating over $1,600 for $100 bettors.
Here are the model`s top bets for Wednesday`s Oilers vs. Panthers game (odds may change):
- Panthers +1.5 on the puck line (-226)
- Over 6 total goals (-120)
Panthers on the puck line +1.5 (-226)
Florida benefits from an extra day of rest and boasts an impressive streak of five consecutive road wins in the playoffs. The Panthers have also defeated the Oilers in their last three meetings, including last season`s Final, with each victory decided by a single goal. The SportsLine model specifically predicts the Panthers will cover the puck line in well over 70% of simulations.
Access additional picks for every game from the model, which starts the 2025 Stanley Cup Final with a solid 80-56 record on top-rated NHL puck-line and over/under picks.
Over 6 goals (-120)
The Over has been the outcome in two of the last three playoff games for both teams. Furthermore, each regular-season matchup between these two clubs saw more than six goals scored. Both starting goaltenders, Sergei Bobrovsky and Stuart Skinner, are allowing more than two goals per game on average.
Looking at offensive output, Edmonton`s offense has been potent, averaging 4.06 goals per game over 16 playoff contests, while Florida is scoring 3.88 goals per night. These factors collectively point towards a potentially high-scoring Game 1 on Wednesday.
For more NHL picks for Wednesday, consulting other experts is recommended. Matt Severance, identified as SportsLine`s top NHL expert, holds a strong record of 145-69-8 on NHL side picks, reportedly yielding over $4,000 for $100 bettors.
