With the 2025 Stanley Cup Final series tied 1-1 after the first two contests, the upcoming Game 3 essentially becomes a best-of-five showdown. As the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers prepare to face off on Monday night, one team will look to gain a crucial advantage. Below is a preview covering key matchup notes and betting analysis.
Matchup Notes
The series is deadlocked at one game apiece heading into Game 3. The Florida Panthers are playing at home. According to betting odds, the Panthers are now slight favorites (-115) to win the Stanley Cup, narrowly ahead of the Oilers (-105). The leading contenders for the Conn Smythe Trophy (playoff MVP) include Connor McDavid (+105), Sergei Bobrovsky (+350), Sam Bennett (+400), and Leon Draisaitl (+650).
Key Statistics and Facts
- Florida`s victory in Game 2 marked their ninth road win of this postseason, setting a new franchise record. They are now one road win away from tying the all-time NHL record, previously achieved six times.
- This is the third instance in their history where the Oilers have been tied 1-1 after two games of the Stanley Cup Final. In both previous occurrences (1984 and 1985), they proceeded to win Game 3 and ultimately the Cup.
- Brad Marchand`s overtime goal in Game 2 was his fifth career playoff OT winner, placing him in a tie for third all-time with players like Corey Perry, Carter Verhaeghe, Patrick Kane, and Glenn Anderson. Only Maurice Richard (6) and Joe Sakic (8) have more.
- Sam Bennett of the Panthers set a new NHL record with his 12th road goal this postseason, scoring the opening power-play goal in Game 2.
- Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky recorded 42 saves in Game 2, marking the second consecutive game he`s stopped 40+ shots. He joins an exclusive group of five goalies in NHL history to achieve this in back-to-back Stanley Cup Final games.
- Leon Draisaitl scored his 22nd career playoff power-play goal, tying for second in Oilers history. This goal was also his 10th of the current postseason, making him just the third player in NHL history with 10+ goals in three consecutive postseasons, joining Mike Bossy and Wayne Gretzky.
- Evan Bouchard netted his 20th career playoff goal in his 71st game, matching Cale Makar as the fastest active defenseman to reach this milestone. Only six defensemen in NHL history reached 20 playoff goals in fewer games.
- Connor McDavid`s two assists in Game 2 marked his 33rd career multi-assist playoff game. He now holds the third-most multi-assist playoff games in NHL history, trailing only Wayne Gretzky (72) and Mark Messier (40).
Scoring Leaders
Leading Scorers (Entering Game 3):
- Sam Bennett (C, Florida Panthers): GP: 19 | G: 13 | A: 6
- Connor McDavid (C, Edmonton Oilers): GP: 18 | G: 6 | A: 25
Game 3 Betting Insights
Betting analyst Sean Allen provides his best bets for Game 3:
- Niko Mikkola Total Blocked Shots (Over 1.5, +145): Mikkola is expected to continue facing significant minutes against Connor McDavid, especially with the Panthers having last change at home. Given his defensive role and ice time, taking the over on blocked shots seems favorable.
- Eetu Luostarinen Total Goals (Over 0.5, +600): As a member of Florida`s third line, Luostarinen is arguably due for a goal. Statistics show he ranks high on the team in overall and high-danger scoring chances through the first two contests.
- Connor McDavid Total Goals (Over 0.5, +135): McDavid is also due to find the back of the net. While he and Evan Bouchard have combined for many shots, McDavid is positioned to capitalize on his opportunities in Game 3.
- Panthers to Win by Shutout (10-1): Despite the Oilers` offensive threats, the Panthers` strong defensive play at home, coupled with Sergei Bobrovsky`s history of shutouts in previous rounds this postseason, makes a shutout victory a possibility.
(Analysis by Sean Allen)
