Edmonton (34-20-4) at Florida (35-21-3)
- When: Feb 27 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise, FL, USA
- TV: SCRIPPS
Game Preview
Florida Favored at -117, Total Set at 6.0
The Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers square off in a Thursday night showdown featuring a struggling Edmonton team desperate to snap a four-game losing streak and a short-handed Panthers squad still finding ways to win.
With Florida favored on the Moneyline (-117) and the total set at 6.0 goals, the betting value lies in whether Edmonton’s offensive firepower can overcome their defensive issues or if Florida’s depth and home-ice advantage will prove too much.
Edmonton Oilers: Searching for a Way to Stop the Slide
The Oilers (33-21-2) have hit a rough patch, dropping four consecutive games despite Leon Draisaitl’s continued dominance. The NHL’s leading goal-scorer (43 goals) has found the net in six straight games, yet Edmonton has failed to turn his performances into victories.
Head coach Kris Knoblauch acknowledged the team’s struggles, stating that confidence is at a low point and that the group has become hesitant to play their usual aggressive style.
“We’re a fragile group right now, and we’re reluctant to play our game,” Knoblauch said. “Confidence is a little hard right now. I think everyone is a little discouraged.”
Despite their struggles, Edmonton remains a playoff-caliber team with 72 points—just one behind Florida. However, with defensive lapses and shaky goaltending, they must turn things around quickly.
Draisaitl has a nine-game point streak and has recorded a point in 17 of his last 18 games (14 goals, 14 assists).
Connor McDavid leads the Oilers with 51 assists and sits just behind Draisaitl with 73 points in 52 games.
Goaltender Stuart Skinner has struggled, losing six of his last eight starts.
If Skinner can’t find his form, this game could turn into another frustrating loss for an Oilers squad desperate for answers.
Key Betting Trends for Edmonton:
Oilers are 6-2 in their last eight road games.
Edmonton is 0-4 in its last four games overall.
The total has gone UNDER in four of Edmonton’s last six games.
Florida Panthers: Finding Ways to Win Despite Missing Key Players
The Panthers (34-18-4) are coming off an impressive 4-1 road win against the Nashville Predators, showing that they can still grind out victories even without top scorer Matthew Tkachuk.
Tkachuk, who suffered a lower-body injury during the 4 Nations Face-Off, missed his second straight game on Tuesday, while Eetu Luostarinen also sat out due to personal reasons.
Despite these absences, Florida has won three of its last four games, continuing to look like a serious Stanley Cup contender.
“We’re not thinking about patterns, streaks, trends, or whatever,” said goaltender Spencer Knight after the win over Nashville. “We’re just trying to bring the game that we want to play every night.”
With backup Spencer Knight getting the win on Tuesday, expect Sergei Bobrovsky to be back in net against Edmonton.
Bobrovsky is 23-13-2 this season with a .903 save percentage and a 2.65 goals-against average.
Sam Reinhart leads the team with 31 goals and 63 points.
Aleksander Barkov has a team-high 40 assists, including two in Tuesday’s win.
Even without Tkachuk’s physical presence, Florida’s defense continues to shine, with Gustav Forsling (+30) and Aaron Ekblad (+9) anchoring the blue line.
In their last meeting on Dec. 16, the Panthers defeated the Oilers 6-5 in a thrilling comeback victory, with Carter Verhaeghe scoring the game-winner in the final seven minutes.
Key Betting Trends for Florida:
Panthers are 6-1 in their last seven home games.
Florida has won three of its last four games.
The total has gone UNDER in five of Florida’s last seven games.
Game Prediction & Best Bets
This matchup sets up well for the Panthers, who are finding ways to win even without key players. Edmonton, on the other hand, is in free fall, and their defensive lapses combined with shaky goaltending could cost them again.
With Bobrovsky expected to start, Florida’s defensive edge should help contain Edmonton’s offensive firepower, while Reinhart, Barkov, and Verhaeghe lead the charge offensively.
Best Bets:
Florida Moneyline (-117) – The Panthers are playing better hockey right now, and Edmonton’s losing streak is hard to ignore.
Under 6.0 Goals – Both teams have struggled to convert consistently, and Florida’s strong defense could keep this game lower-scoring.
Final Score Prediction: Florida 3, Edmonton 2
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
