NHL Game Preview: Panthers vs. Oilers

**Match Information**

Planning on watching today's Panthers and Oilers game? Catch the action at Rogers Place in Edmonton, AB, as the Oilers host this showdown at 8:00 PM ET on ABC.

**Betting Odds**

The over/under goal line for this matchup is currently set at 5.5 goals, and the Oilers are favored by -1.5 against the Panthers.

**Head-to-Head and Key Stats**

The last three times the Panthers have faced off against the Oilers as the underdog, they have emerged victorious in two out of those three encounters. When examining the past three matchups in Edmonton, the over/under record stands at 1-2, with the teams combining for an average of six goals. The overall over/under record in their last three meetings is the same, at 1-2.

Florida boasts a straight-up record of 7-3 in their last ten road games, matching a 5-5 record against the puck line. During these games, the Panthers have averaged three goals per game. On their home turf, the Edmonton Oilers have a 3-2 straight-up record in their last five games and have averaged three goals per game as well. Their puck line record over these five games stands at 2-3. When they have been the betting underdog, the Oilers hold a 2-3 straight-up record in their last five games, with a matching 2-3 record against the puck line. Conversely, the Panthers have performed well as betting favorites, with a 2-1 puck line record and a perfect 3-0 straight-up record in their last three games.

**Panthers' Strong Season Performance**

The Panthers are sitting comfortably in third place in the Eastern Conference with 110 points, boasting a record of 52-24-6. Over their last ten games, Florida has been impressive, going 8-2 and winning each of their last four games. On the road this season, the Panthers have been formidable, posting a 26-11-4 record. As favorites, they have held this status in 67 of their 82 games this season.

In their last five games, Florida has gone a perfect 5-0, further emphasizing their winning streak as favorites. Offensively, the Panthers are scoring an average of 3.2 goals per game, ranking them 11th in the NHL. They are second in the league in shots on target per game, sixth in power play goals, and 10th in shorthanded goals. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky will be starting for Florida, with an impressive record of 36-17 and a save percentage of 0.948 across 58 starts this season.

**Oilers' Mixed Results at Home**

The Edmonton Oilers, on the other hand, have also displayed strong form at home, going 28-9-4 and being favored in 71 of their 82 games this season. In the Western Conference, the Oilers are in fifth place and sit second in the Pacific Division. Over their last ten games, Edmonton has shown a fair amount of inconsistency, going 5-5 and losing their last two contests.

For the season, the Oilers hold a record of 49-27-6 with 104 points. Against other Western Conference teams, they have a solid 30-20 record and have gone 18-8 against divisional opponents. Over their last five games, Edmonton has struggled slightly, going 2-3 and losing their last three contests. Offensively, the Oilers have been potent, averaging 3.6 goals per game, which ranks them fourth in the NHL. They lead the league in shots on goal per game. Edmonton has gone 33-18 when they have had more shots than their opponents, while managing a 16-8 record in games with fewer shots on goal.

Goaltender Stuart Skinner will be between the pipes for Edmonton, having made 57 starts this season. Skinner has a record of 36-16 and a save percentage of 0.931%.

**Prediction**

Given the Oilers' status as 1.5-point favorites, our NHL analytics models predict a closely contested game, with Edmonton prevailing 4-3. Considering the current lines, it is advisable to take the Oilers on the moneyline. On the spread, the Panthers are a more attractive option at +1.5. Our NHL model projects a total of seven goals for this game, so taking the under is suggested.

**Injury Report**

Edmonton Oilers:
Evander Kane – Hip – Questionable
Troy Stecher – Ankle – Out

Florida Panthers:
No Injuries Reported