The 2025 Stanley Cup Final series between the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers has commenced with two captivating overtime contests, setting the stage for Game 3 scheduled for Monday in Florida. Edmonton secured a victory in Game 1 during overtime, while Florida responded by winning Game 2 in double overtime. The Panthers allowed a goal that tied the game late in regulation, marking the latest such goal in Stanley Cup Final history, before Brad Marchand netted the winner in the second overtime period, giving the reigning champions a 5-4 win. Puck drop for Game 3 is set for 8 p.m. ET at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise.
Looking at the latest odds, Florida is listed as a -146 favorite on the money line (requiring a $146 wager to win $100), while Edmonton is the underdog at +123 (bet $100 to win $123). The over/under for the total number of goals scored is set at 6.5. Florida is also -1.5 (+166) on the puck line. SportsLine`s sophisticated model, which simulates every NHL game 10,000 times, has demonstrated impressive performance. It began the first week of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final with a combined record of 80-56 on its top-rated NHL puck-line and over/under betting selections, yielding a profit of over $1,600 for $100 bettors.
SportsLine Model`s Top Picks for Game 3
Here are the model`s recommended wagers for the Panthers vs. Oilers matchup on Monday (please note that odds are subject to change):
- Oilers +1.5 on the puck line (-202)
- Under 6.5 total goals (-120)
Analysis: Oilers +1.5 on the Puck Line (-202)
These two teams faced each other in a seven-game series in last year`s Stanley Cup Final, and the current series appears poised for another extended battle. The fact that the first two games required overtime underscores the competitive parity between the teams. Edmonton has been remarkably consistent against the spread in the postseason, covering the 1.5-goal margin in 15 of their last 16 playoff contests. Furthermore, the Oilers registered more shots on goal in both Game 1 and Game 2. The model`s simulations indicate a high probability of Edmonton covering this spread, doing so in well over 70% of scenarios.
Analysis: Under 6.5 Goals (-120)
While the initial two games of the Stanley Cup Final finished with the total going Over, this was primarily driven by a surge in scoring early in each game. Game 1 saw three goals in the first period, and Game 2 featured five goals in the opening frame. It is highly likely that both coaching staffs will emphasize defensive adjustments to tighten play in the early stages of Game 3. Notably, the teams combined for only two goals across the final three periods (including the double-overtime session) of Friday`s thrilling Game 2. The model has identified the Under on Monday as an A-rated selection.
