Panthers vs. Oilers NHL Game Preview

Match Information

If you're gearing up to watch today's clash between the Panthers and the Oilers, you're in for a treat. The action unfolds at Rogers Place in Edmonton, AB, with the puck set to drop at 8:00 PM ET on ABC.

Betting Odds

The betting lines for this showdown set the over/under goal line at 5.5 goals, favoring the Oilers by -1.5 against the Panthers.

Head-to-Head and Key Stats

In their last three encounters, the Panthers have defied the odds, winning two out of three matchups as the underdog against the Oilers. When these teams met in Edmonton over the last three games, the over/under record stands at 1-2, with both teams averaging a sum total of six goals. The overall over/under record for their last three meetings is also 1-2.

On the road, Florida has been robust, holding a straight-up record of 7-3 in their last ten away games, with a matching puck line record standing at 5-5. In these contests, the Panthers have averaged three goals per game. On the flip side, the Oilers have posted a 3-2 straight-up record in their last five home games, also averaging three goals per game. Their puck line record during these games is 2-3.

For the Oilers, being the underdog has proven challenging, with a 2-3 straight-up record in their last five games, and the same record against the puck line. Conversely, the Panthers have thrived as betting favorites, boasting a 2-1 puck line record and a flawless 3-0 straight-up record in their last three games.

Team Performance and Prediction

The Panthers sit comfortably in third place in the Eastern Conference with 110 points, flaunting a record of 52-24-6. Over their last ten games, Florida has been dominant, with an impressive 8-2 record and wins in each of their last four games. On the road, they have a formidable 26-11-4 record this season. Florida has often been the favorite, holding this status in 67 of their 82 games this season. In their last five contests, the Panthers have gone a perfect 5-0, further emphasizing their hot streak as favorites.

Offensively, the Panthers are robust, scoring an average of 3.2 goals per game, which ranks them 11th in the NHL. They are second in the league in shots on target per game, sixth in power play goals, and 10th in shorthanded goals. Sergei Bobrovsky will be guarding the net for Florida, with an impressive record of 36-17 and a remarkable save percentage of 0.948% over 58 starts this season.

The Edmonton Oilers have shown strong form at home, with a 28-9-4 record and being favored in 71 of their 82 games this season. In the Western Conference, the Oilers are in fifth place and occupy the second spot in the Pacific Division. However, their recent form has been inconsistent; over their last ten games, they have a 5-5 record, losing their last two contests. For the season, the Oilers hold a record of 49-27-6 with 104 points. Against other Western Conference teams, they have a solid 30-20 record and an 18-8 record against divisional opponents.

In their last five contests, the Oilers have struggled, posting a 2-3 record and losing their last three games. Offensively, the Oilers remain potent, averaging 3.6 goals per game, which ranks them fourth in the NHL. They lead the league in shots on goal per game. When outshooting opponents, Edmonton has a 33-18 record, and even with fewer shots on goal, they manage a 16-8 record. Stuart Skinner will be the Oilers' goaltender, with 57 appearances this season and a record of 36-16, along with an impressive save percentage of 0.931%.

Given the Oilers’ status as 1.5-point favorites, our NHL analytics models predict a closely contested game, with Edmonton edging out a win with a projected score of 4-3.

Betting Tips

Considering the current lines, the Oilers on the moneyline appear to be a sound choice. On the spread, the Panthers at +1.5 stand out as the more attractive option. Our NHL model projects a total of seven goals for this game, suggesting that taking the under is a wise bet.

Injury Report

For the Edmonton Oilers, Evander Kane is questionable with a hip issue, and Troy Stecher is out due to an ankle injury. The Florida Panthers report no injuries.