The Florida Panthers host the Edmonton Oilers in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final. The game takes place at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida on Monday night. The series is tied 1-1 after two close games, each decided in the final moments or overtime.
Edmonton won Game 1 with a comeback victory, while Florida bounced back in Game 2 with a double-overtime win. Both teams have shown strong play and the games have stayed close. This game will be a key swing in the best-of-seven series.
Game 2 ended with Brad Marchand scoring his third goal of the series, sealing Florida’s win. Corey Perry tied the game late in regulation for Edmonton, making it the latest tying goal in Stanley Cup Final history. Both teams have shown they can respond under pressure.
The Panthers were ahead 3-1 in Game 1, but the Oilers scored three straight to win. Florida responded in Game 2, even after giving up the late goal. The series has been even on both ends, and Game 3 should be another close one.
Panthers Preview – Marchand Leading the Way in Big Moments
Brad Marchand has been the key player for Florida. He scored the game-winner in double overtime and now has 17 points in the playoffs. Marchand came over from Boston and has made a big impact since recovering from injury.
Seth Jones was also added before the playoffs and has fit into the Panthers’ fast system. Florida’s defense plays aggressive and has done well limiting shots in the first two games. Aaron Ekblad practiced after a scare in Game 2, which helps their depth.
Sergei Bobrovsky continues to be solid in goal. He has a .913 save percentage in the series and made big saves late in Game 2. He also has 2.64 goals saved above expected and is key to slowing down Edmonton’s top line.
Oilers Preview – Strong Road Play and Top Line Production
Connor McDavid has five assists through two games and continues to drive the Oilers’ offense. Leon Draisaitl added three goals and one assist, including the Game 1 overtime winner. The two have combined for 44 points in the postseason.
Edmonton has been very good on the road since the first round. They are 6-1 away from home since losing twice in Los Angeles. They also lead in five-on-five shot share on the road and have been firing over 30 shots per game.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is fourth on the team in scoring but may miss Game 3. He was absent from practice and is a game-time decision. Corey Perry and other depth forwards will need to step up if he’s out.
Betting Prediction
Florida is a -136 favorite on the moneyline, while Edmonton comes in at +121. The total is set at 6.5 goals. These teams are evenly matched, with both games so far ending in one-goal margins and late-game heroics.
The Panthers should have a slight edge at home with a deeper blue line and better goaltending. The Oilers’ offense is dangerous, but Florida has done enough to slow them down so far. Look for a 3-2 type win for Florida, which would put them ahead in the series.
Pick: Panthers -136
