Game 1 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final is set for Wednesday, featuring a rematch between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers. Florida emerged victorious in seven games when these two teams met in last year`s Final. The Panthers are entering this series after defeating the Carolina Hurricanes in five games in the Eastern Conference Final, while the Oilers secured their spot by overcoming the Dallas Stars, also in five games. The opening face-off for Game 1 will take place at Rogers Place in Edmonton at 8 p.m. ET.
According to the latest odds, the Edmonton Oilers are favored on the moneyline at -122, while the Florida Panthers are the underdogs at +102. The total goals scored over/under is set at 6. For those considering bets, a reputable sports projection model has analyzed the matchup. This model, which simulates each game multiple times, has shown a strong track record in NHL betting picks, particularly on puck-line and over/under bets.
Recommended Bets for Game 1:
- Florida Panthers on the puck line +1.5 (-234)
- Over 6 total goals (-130)
Analysis for Panthers on the Puck Line +1.5:
Florida enters Game 1 with an extra day of rest compared to Edmonton. The Panthers have been strong on the road in the playoffs, winning their last five away games. Historically, they`ve had recent success against the Oilers, winning their last three encounters (dating back to last year`s Final) each by a narrow one-goal margin. Analysis suggests a high probability of Florida covering the +1.5 puck line.
Analysis for Over 6 Goals:
Recent playoff trends for both teams show a propensity for higher scoring games, with the `Over` hitting in two of their last three respective contests. Furthermore, their regular-season meetings this year featured more than six goals in each instance. Goaltenders Sergei Bobrovsky and Stuart Skinner have both allowed over two goals per game on average in the playoffs. Offensively, Edmonton boasts a high-scoring playoff average of 4.06 goals per game, while Florida is also potent with 3.88 goals per night. These factors point towards Game 1 potentially being a high-scoring affair.
