Florida (0-0) at Edmonton (0-0)
- When: Jun 4 2025, 8:00 PM
- Where: Rogers Place, Edmonton, AB, CAN
- TV: TNT
Florida vs. Edmonton Stanley Cup Final Game 1 Preview & Expert Predictions
Odds: Edmonton Oilers -135 ML | Total: 6.0
Edmonton Oilers Breakdown
After falling just short last year, the Oilers are back in the Stanley Cup Final with revenge on their minds. Captain Connor McDavid is laser-focused on rewriting the script after last season’s heartbreak, when Florida lifted the Cup in front of them. Now with Game 1 at home, Edmonton gets the first crack at flipping the script.
McDavid has been an absolute force in these playoffs, racking up 26 points, nine of which came during the Western Conference Final win over Dallas. Leon Draisaitl continues to be a vital part of the attack, but Edmonton knows their Cup hopes rest just as much on goaltender Stuart Skinner’s ability to match Florida’s Sergei Bobrovsky save for save. Skinner has faced his share of critics, but he’s answered the bell when needed.
The Oilers’ defense has leveled up since last year, and their recent play proves they’re not just a one-line, high-octane squad anymore.
Florida Panthers Breakdown
The Panthers come into this rematch with confidence and playoff mileage, returning to the Final for a third straight year. Led by captain Aleksander Barkov who just won his third Selke Trophy, the Panthers are 8-2 on the road this postseason and more than capable of spoiling the party in Edmonton.
Sergei Bobrovsky continues to prove he’s one of the elite netminders in the world. He’s posted a shutout in every playoff round so far and will be key to slowing Edmonton’s top-line attack. Barkov, meanwhile, is producing at a point-per-game clip and doing it at both ends of the ice. Florida has shown it can grind down teams with defense but now also features improved offensive depth that wasn’t as prominent a year ago.
Player Prop Picks
Connor McDavid: Over 1.5 Points – He’s been electric this postseason and thrives in high-stakes matchups.
Aleksander Barkov: Anytime Goal Scorer – With seven points in five games vs. Carolina, he’s heating up at the right time.
Game 1 Prediction and Final Score
Expect a high-intensity opener with both teams trading momentum early. Edmonton’s home-ice edge and scoring firepower give them the upper hand, but it won’t be easy.
Score Prediction: Edmonton 4, Florida 3
Best Bet: Edmonto ML (-135)
Total: Over 6.0 (-120)
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
