The Edmonton Oilers are set to face off against the Florida Panthers in Game 1 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final on Wednesday. This showdown is a rematch of last year’s final, where the Panthers emerged victorious in a seven-game series. Florida enters this game coming off a five-game Eastern Conference Finals win against the Carolina Hurricanes, while Edmonton advanced by defeating the Dallas Stars in five games. The game kicks off at 8 p.m. at Rogers Place in Edmonton.
Currently, betting odds favor the Oilers at -130 on the moneyline, with the Panthers as underdogs at +110. The over/under for total goals is set at 6, and the Oilers hold a -1.5 puck line at +185. Sportsline’s prediction model, which has a strong track record, simulates games 10,000 times and has been profitable for bettors so far this postseason.
Top recommended bets for this game include taking the Panthers +1.5 (-226) on the puck line and betting on six or more total goals (-120). Florida, having rested for a day, has won five straight playoff away games and has historically performed well against Edmonton, including winning three consecutive games with close scores in last year’s finals. Sportsline’s simulations suggest the Panthers cover the puck line over 70% of the time.
The total goals bet is supported by recent trends, with both teams scoring heavily during the playoffs and in their regular-season matchups. Goaltenders Sergei Bobrovsky and Stuart Skinner both allow over two goals per game, contributing to high-scoring expectations. Edmonton averages 4.06 goals per game in the playoffs, while Florida sits at 3.88. The over 6 goal line is offered at -115 on BETMGM, which also offers a promo code for bettors.
For more NHL picks, Matt Severance, Sportsline’s top NHL expert, boasts a 145-69-8 record and has generated over $4,000 in winnings for every $100 wagered. Fans can check out his top bet for Wednesday’s game on Sportsline.
Fan Take: This rematch between the Oilers and Panthers promises high stakes and intense action, bringing back a rivalrous energy that hockey fans crave. The outcome could shape the legacy of these franchises and further ignite interest in the Stanley Cup Final, highlighting the sport’s competitive spirit and unpredictability.
