The second match of the Stanley Cup Final between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers will take place on June 7 at Rogers Place. The series score is 1-0 in favor of Edmonton. Edmonton vs. Florida: prediction and statistics.
Edmonton Oilers
Chris Knoblauch's team started the Stanley Cup Final series with a home victory, winning 4-3 in overtime. The hosts managed to come back from a 1-3 deficit and scored the winning goal in the final seconds of the first overtime. Leon Draisaitl stood out for the hosts, scoring twice, including the game-winner. Notably, 14 out of 18 teams that won the first game in overtime in the Stanley Cup Final went on to win the series.
Edmonton has caught up with Florida in terms of goals scored in this playoff, sharing the top spot with 69 goals. However, in the current Stanley Cup run, Edmonton is one of the most conceding teams, with opponents averaging about three goals per game against them.
- The team has scored at least three goals in regulation time in the last five head-to-head NHL meetings as hosts.
- Chris Knoblauch's team has won 7 of their last 8 home games in the league (2 in OT).
- At least six goals have been scored over three periods in 6 of Edmonton's last 8 NHL home games.
Florida Panthers
Paul Maurice's team suffered their second loss in the last three playoff games, falling in the first game of the final series. Three Florida players each scored two points, with Sam Bennett standing out with a double. In this Stanley Cup run, the club is among the top three most conceding teams, with 43 goals against them, only worse than Edmonton and Dallas. Additionally, Florida continues to lead this playoff in penalty killing (87.1%).
- The team has scored at least three goals in regulation time in 10 of their last 12 head-to-head NHL meetings at Edmonton.
- The club has won in regulation time in 5 of their last 6 away games in the league.
- Florida has not conceded more than three goals in regulation time in their last six NHL away games.
Edmonton vs. Florida: Match Prediction
Chris Knoblauch's team made it clear in the first game of the series that they are ready to avenge their loss in the previous final. I was impressed by Edmonton's aggression and character. The team understands the opponent's game plan, so they are unlikely to give them many chances in the upcoming game, especially since recent home games have been successful for Edmonton, who are on a four-game winning streak (1 in OT).
Florida, however, is to blame for their loss, as they gave up the initiative to the opponent after a comfortable lead and only managed two shots on goal in the third period. Sergei Bobrovsky cannot be blamed for the conceded goals; it was simply that Edmonton played more efficiently and applied more pressure.
In terms of nuances, Chris Knoblauch's team impressed me more, so I believe Edmonton will double their advantage before heading on the road. Additionally, the club has won 3 of the last 4 head-to-head NHL meetings on their home ice (1 in OT). My prediction: Edmonton Oilers to win the match
