Panthers Can Beat Oilers in 2024 Stanley Cup Final

Event Details

• What: 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Finals
• Who: Edmonton Oilers vs. Florida Panthers
• Date: June 8 – June 24, 2024
• Location: Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida
• Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
• How to Watch: ABC, ESPN+, SN, CBC, TVAS
• Odds: NHL at BetOnline

Background

Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers are making their first appearance in the Stanley Cup Final since 2006 when they lost a seven-game series to the Carolina Hurricanes.

The team last won the Cup in 1990. This year, the Oilers finished the regular season with a 49-27-6 record, placing second in the Pacific Division. Their journey to the 2024 Cup Final included victories over the LA Kings (five games), Vancouver Canucks (seven games), and Dallas Stars (six games).

Florida Panthers

The Florida Panthers are returning to the Cup Final for the second consecutive year after losing to the Vegas Golden Knights in five games in 2023.

The Panthers have never won the Stanley Cup, failing in their three previous attempts. In the 2024 regular season, Florida topped the Atlantic Division with a 52-24-6 record. Their path to the final saw them defeat the Tampa Bay Lightning (five games), Boston Bruins (six games), and NY Rangers (six games).

Betting Breakdown

Stanley Cup Finals Odds

Team	Odds
Oilers	+115
Panthers	-135

Edmonton Oilers Betting Breakdown

The primary concern for the Oilers heading into the playoffs was their starting goaltender, Stuart Skinner. Skinner performed well against the Dallas Stars, allowing the Oilers’ offense to secure wins.

A key factor was the team’s defense, which limited Dallas to just 25.1 shots per game in the Western Conference Final.

Despite being known for relying heavily on Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid, the Oilers showcased their depth against Dallas. Eleven players scored at least one goal, with McDavid leading the team with 10 points. Evan Bouchard (7 points) and Zach Hyman (5 points) outperformed Draisaitl (4 points), while Ryan Nugent-Hopkins matched Draisaitl in scoring.

The Oilers’ penalty kill was perfect against Dallas, stopping all 14 of the Stars’ power plays. Their own power play was effective, going 4 for 11, with all goals coming in the last two games of the series.

Key Players to Watch:

• Leon Draisaitl
• Connor McDavid
• Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
• Darnell Nurse (notable for his significant ice time)

Florida Panthers Betting Breakdown

Early in the playoffs, goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky was solid but not exceptional. However, he improved significantly as the postseason progressed, achieving a 2.20 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage. The Panthers’ defense has been instrumental in limiting shots, and Bobrovsky has stepped up when needed.

The Panthers rely on a balanced team effort rather than star power. They have depth in scoring, strong defense, and tenacity, which have been crucial to their back-to-back Final appearances.

Florida has averaged 3.24 goals per game in the playoffs while allowing 2.29 goals per game. Their power play stands at 23.3%, and they boast an 88.2% penalty kill. The team averages 33.2 shots on goal per game, a metric they must maintain to pressure Skinner and the Oilers’ defense.

Key Player and Coach:

• Sergei Bobrovsky (goaltender)
• Paul Maurice (coach with extensive Cup Final experience)

Game 1 Odds at BetOnline

Team	Puck Line	Money Line	Total
Edmonton Oilers	+1.5 (-220)	+118	O 5.5 (-116)
Florida Panthers	-1.5 (+190)	-133	U 5.5 (+100)

2024 NHL Stanley Cup Final Schedule

Game	Matchup	Date
Game 1	Oilers at Panthers	June 8
Game 2	Oilers at Panthers	June 10
Game 3	Panthers at Oilers	June 13
Game 4	Panthers at Oilers	June 15
Game 5*	Oilers at Panthers	June 18
Game 6*	Panthers at Oilers	June 21
Game 7*	Oilers at Panthers	June 24

*If necessary

Teams With The Most Stanley Cup Appearances

Here is a list of hockey teams with the most Stanley Cup finals wins and appearances:

Team	Stanley Cup Wins	Stanley Cup Appearances
Montreal Canadiens	24	35
Toronto Maple Leafs	13	21
Detroit Red Wings	11	24
Boston Bruins	6	20
Chicago Blackhawks	6	13
Edmonton Oilers	5	7
Pittsburgh Penguins	5	6
New York Islanders	4	5
New York Rangers	4	11
Colorado Avalanche	3	3
New Jersey Devils	3	5
Tampa Bay Lightning	3	5

Regardless of the outcome, the 2024 Stanley Cup Final promises to be a thrilling and fiercely contested series.