Game 1 Panthers vs Oilers Predictions, Odds & How to Watch – 2025 Stanley Cup Final

• We’ve made our Panthers vs Oilers prediction for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final
• The Oilers are -125 moneyline favorites, while the defending champion Cats are underdogs
• Read on for our Oilers vs Panthers Game 1 prediction, plus the latest odds and info on how to watch

The Stanley Cup Final gets underway tonight as the Edmonton Oilers host the Florida Panthers in Game 1. This series is a rematch of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, which saw the Panthers capture their first championship in seven games after nearly blowing a 3-0 series lead.

Edmonton has home ice this time around and enters as the betting favorite, looking for revenge after last year’s heartbreaking loss. The Oilers have been on a tear, winning 12 of their last 14 games.

Here is a look at my Panthers vs Oilers Game 1 prediction, along with how I’m betting this matchup.

Panthers vs Oilers Predictions for Game 1

• Over 6 Goals (-130 at Caesars)

These two high-octane offenses are primed to deliver fireworks in the series opener. The Oilers lead all playoff teams with 4.06 goals per game, while the Panthers aren’t far behind at 3.88. Both teams have been lighting the lamp with regularity, especially in their respective situations.

Edmonton has been virtually unstoppable at Rogers Place, posting a 6-1 record while averaging just under five goals per game. The home crowd has fueled their offense, and they’ve gone 5-2 to the Over in those contests. Meanwhile, Florida has thrived on the road with an 8-2 record, scoring nearly five goals per game and hitting the Over in eight of those 10 road contests.

When these squads met twice in the regular season, both games sailed over the total. The offensive firepower on display, combined with elite power plays on both sides, points to another high-scoring affair. Edmonton’s power play ranks fourth in the playoffs at 30%, while Florida sits sixth at 23.2%.

The individual talent on display is remarkable. Connor McDavid leads all playoff scorers with 26 points in 16 games, including 20 assists. His running mate Leon Draisaitl has added 25 points. On the other side, Aleksander Barkov paces the Panthers with 17 points, while Carter Verhaeghe has found the back of the net 10 times.

While both goaltenders have played well — Sergei Bobrovsky sports a 2.11 GAA and Stuart Skinner sits at 2.81 — the sheer offensive talent and shot volume expected should overwhelm them. Edmonton has been averaging 31.6 shots per game during their 14-game hot streak.

Panthers vs Oilers Offensive Stats

There’s also a compelling betting angle to consider: Florida wins often correlate with low-scoring games, while Edmonton victories tend to hit the Over due to their scoring bursts. With the Oilers favored at home, this trend points toward another high-scoring Edmonton win.

Game 1s often feature more open play before teams tighten up defensively as the series progresses. Expect both teams to come out with speed and intensity, looking to set the tone early. With the revenge factor motivating Edmonton and Florida’s road warrior mentality, fireworks should ensue.

Ultimately, the Over 6 total is my play given the elite offensive talent, special teams prowess, and recent scoring trends. Don’t be surprised if we see seven or eight goals when the final horn sounds.

Panthers vs Oilers Game 1 Odds

The Over 6 currently holds -130 odds at Caesars Sportsbook, with the Under coming back at +110. On the moneyline, Edmonton is favored at -125 while Florida returns +105 as a slight underdog.

The Oilers are also giving 1.5 goals on the puck line, although bettors will have to lay some heavy -225 juice to back the Panthers +1.5.

Odds as of June 4, 2025, at Caesars Sportsbook. Check out our Caesars review, or browse other NHL betting apps.

Edmonton residents can bet on this game at Bet 99. Claim a Bet99 promo code to place a wager.

How to Watch Panthers vs Oilers

Game 1 is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta. TNT, truTV, Max, CBC, and SN will provide the television coverage, while the game can also be streamed online via the Max app.

Edmonton has dominated at home all playoffs, going 6-1 while averaging 4.71 goals per game in front of their raucous crowd.