NHL Match Preview: Panthers vs Oilers

Match Information

Planning on watching today’s clash between the Panthers and Oilers? Catch the action live at Rogers Place in Edmonton, AB, with the game kicking off at 8:00 PM ET on ABC.

Betting Odds

The over/under goal line for this matchup is set at 5.5 goals, with the Oilers favored by -1.5 against the Panthers.

Head-to-Head and Key Stats

Historically, the Panthers have found success against the Oilers when playing as underdogs, winning two out of their last three encounters. In Edmonton, the over/under record for these matchups stands at 1-2, with an average of six goals scored per game. The overall over/under record in their last three meetings also mirrors this, standing at 1-2.

On the road, the Panthers have an impressive straight-up record of 7-3 in their last ten road games, with a 5-5 record against the puck line. During this span, Florida has averaged three goals per game.

Meanwhile, the Oilers have shown solid form at home, boasting a 3-2 straight-up record in their last five home games while averaging three goals per game. Their puck line record over these games stands at 2-3. When playing as the betting underdog, the Oilers have a 2-3 straight-up record in their last five games, matching a 2-3 record against the puck line.

Conversely, the Panthers have thrived as betting favorites, with a 2-1 puck line record and a perfect 3-0 straight-up record in their last three games.

Prediction

The Panthers are comfortably seated in third place in the Eastern Conference with 110 points, holding a record of 52-24-6. Florida has been impressive over their last ten games, going 8-2 and winning each of their last four contests. On the road this season, the Panthers have been formidable, posting a 26-11-4 record. They have held the status of favorites in 67 of their 82 games this season. In their last five games, Florida has gone a perfect 5-0, emphasizing their winning streak as favorites.

Offensively, the Panthers are averaging 3.2 goals per game, ranking 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. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky will be starting for Florida, boasting an impressive record of 36-17 with a save percentage of 0.948% across 58 starts this season.

In contrast, the Edmonton Oilers have displayed strong form at home, with a 28-9-4 record and having been favored in 71 of their 82 games this season. In the Western Conference, the Oilers hold fifth place and sit second in the Pacific Division. However, over their last ten games, Edmonton has shown inconsistency, going 5-5 and losing their last two contests. For the season, the Oilers possess a record of 49-27-6 with 104 points. Against other Western Conference teams, they have a solid 30-20 record and have gone 18-8 against divisional opponents. Recently, the Oilers have struggled slightly, going 2-3 and losing their last three contests.

Offensively, the Oilers have been potent, averaging 3.6 goals per game, which ranks them fourth in the NHL. They lead the league in shots on goal per game. Edmonton has shown resilience, going 33-18 when they have had more shots than their opponents, while maintaining a 16-8 record in games with fewer shots on goal.

Goaltender Stuart Skinner will be between the pipes for Edmonton, having made 57 starts this season. Skinner holds a record of 36-16 with a 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 prevailing 4-3.

Betting Tips

Considering the current lines, it is advisable to take the Oilers on the moneyline. On the spread, the Panthers are a more attractive option at +1.5. Our NHL model projects a total of seven goals for this game, so taking the under is suggested.

Injury Report

Edmonton Oilers:

  • Evander Kane – Hip – Questionable
  • Troy Stecher – Ankle – Out

Florida Panthers:

  • No Injuries Reported