Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Stanley Cup match.
The opening game of the Final series had no shortage of drama: seven goals, a controversial Florida Panthers goal, a major comeback by the Edmonton Oilers, and a two-goal performance from Leon Draisaitl, who had struggled in last year’s Final. This 4:3 overtime win did more than just give the Edmonton Oilers a series lead — it gave them a significant surge in momentum.
Edmonton Oilers
That momentum could be pivotal. The Oilers have shown time and again that they grow into series, gradually figuring out their opponents. That trend was clear in the first round against the Los Angeles Kings, where the Oilers overturned a 0:2 deficit. In the next round, the Vegas Golden Knights’ offence faltered after Game 3, and in the Western Conference Final, the Oilers solved the Dallas Stars after the opening game and never looked back. A similar pattern may be emerging against the Florida Panthers — the team used the first two periods to adjust, but in the third, the Oilers took control: they held a 24-8 edge in shots, controlled 63% in xG, and led 7-4 in high-danger scoring chances.
Florida Panthers
Normally, even a defeat in the Stanley Cup Final offers something to build on. But for the Panthers, positives are few and far between. The squad spent the majority of the game hanging on and arguably were fortunate to even reach overtime. Missed opportunities from Kasperi Kapanen, Frederik Andersen, and Evan Bouchard went unpunished, but that might not continue. The usual strengths of the Panthers were neutralised by the Edmonton Oilers’ performance. Despite leading the team in five-on-five ice time (27:55) as a defenceman, Gustav Forsling recorded the team’s worst xGF%, at 19.33%.
Edmonton Oilers vs Florida Panthers Prediction
The Edmonton Oilers’ dominant third period and control in overtime may have dealt a blow to the Florida Panthers. Prior to Game 1 of the Final, the Florida Panthers had won 31 consecutive games when leading after two periods. Now, the momentum is firmly with the Edmonton Oilers — and they must make the most of it.
