Following an intense Game 1, the second game of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers is highly anticipated.
Edmonton currently holds a 1-0 series advantage heading into Game 2 this Friday night. Will the Oilers extend their lead before the series moves across the continent to South Florida, or will the resilient Panthers bounce back to level the series?
Here’s a look at key matchup details and some betting insights:
Matchup Notes
Florida Panthers at Edmonton Oilers | Game 2
After their Game 1 victory, the Oilers are now considered favorites to win the Stanley Cup, while the Panthers` odds have adjusted. Leading contenders for the Conn Smythe Trophy (playoff MVP) include Edmonton`s Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, and Florida`s Sergei Bobrovsky and Aleksander Barkov.
Historically, teams that win Game 1 in a best-of-seven Stanley Cup Final have a strong record of winning the series overall, including recent finals.
The Oilers set a franchise record for shots on goal in a Stanley Cup Final game during Game 1.
Florida has established a new Stanley Cup playoffs record for most goals scored on the road in a single postseason. They are also the first team in league history to score three or more goals in nine consecutive road playoff games.
Leon Draisaitl scored his third overtime goal this postseason, tying a playoff record shared by notable players.
Defenseman Mattias Ekholm became the 20th different Oilers player to score this postseason, highlighting the team`s scoring depth.
Stuart Skinner`s recent playoff win placed him second in Oilers history for goaltender wins in the postseason, surpassed only by Hall of Famer Grant Fuhr.
Florida`s Sam Bennett surpassed the Panthers` single-postseason goal record. A significant number of his goals this postseason have been scored on the road, equaling an all-time single-postseason record.
Sergei Bobrovsky made a substantial number of saves in the Game 1 loss, ranking among the most by a Panthers goalie in a Stanley Cup Final game.
Scoring Leaders
Connor McDavid, C, Edmonton Oilers
GP: 17 | G: 6 | A: 22
Sam Bennett, C, Florida Panthers
GP: 18 | G: 12 | A: 6
Best Bets for Game 2
Sergei Bobrovsky over 24.5 total saves: Given the high volume of shots the Oilers generated in Game 1 and their likely continued offensive pressure, Bobrovsky is expected to be busy again. Betting on him to exceed 24.5 saves seems like a reasonable projection.
Eetu Luostarinen over 3.5 total hits: This physical forward averages a high number of hits per game. His significant ice time in Game 1 indicates he is fully fit and ready to continue his impactful physical play. Witnessing an opponent`s high hit count in the opener could also provide added motivation.
Corey Perry over 0.5 total points: Corey Perry has been contributing offensively recently, benefiting from playing on a top line alongside key players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Betting on him to register at least one point in Game 2 is a potential play.
Rupert Hartwell 
Benedict Kingsley