The 2025 Stanley Cup Final kicked off with a dramatic Game 1 win for the Edmonton Oilers over the Florida Panthers, setting the stage for what could be a legendary series. With Edmonton now holding a 1-0 series lead heading into Game 2 on Friday night, anticipation is high.
The Oilers’ victory has also made them strong betting favorites, now listed at -225 to win the Cup, while the Panthers sit at +185. All eyes are on the stars, with Connor McDavid leading Conn Smythe Trophy odds, followed by Sergei Bobrovsky, Leon Draisaitl, and Aleksander Barkov.
Oilers Ride Historic Game 1 Win as Panthers Continue Road Scoring Dominance Streak
Statistical trends heavily favor the Oilers after taking Game 1. Teams that win the first game of a best-of-seven Stanley Cup Final go on to win the series 76% of the time. Edmonton’s offensive output was also notable—they recorded 46 shots on goal, the most they’ve ever tallied in a Stanley Cup Final game.
On the other side, Florida’s road scoring prowess remains unmatched this postseason, with a record-setting 51 road goals and a streak of nine consecutive road games with at least three goals.
Oilers Seize Game 1 in Stanley Cup Final as Panthers Aim to Halt Edmonton’s Surge in Game 2Game 1 showcased standout performances from several players. Leon Draisaitl scored his third overtime goal this postseason, tying a historical record. Defenseman Mattias Ekholm became the 20th different Oilers player to score this postseason, one short of the all-time record.
Meanwhile, Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner continued to build his legacy with his 26th career playoff win, surpassing Bill Ranford and trailing only Grant Fuhr in franchise history. On Florida’s side, Sam Bennett broke the team’s single-postseason goal record with 12 goals, 11 of which came on the road, tying an NHL record.
Goaltending Brilliance and Physical Play Define Key Matchups Ahead of Game 2
Despite the loss, Sergei Bobrovsky’s performance was a highlight for the Panthers. He made 42 saves, the second-highest total in a Stanley Cup Final game for a Florida goalie. Betting lines suggest Bobrovsky is likely to be tested again in Game 2, with oddsmakers expecting him to make over 24.5 saves.
For the Oilers, the defense continued to shine, with all but two skaters registering a shot and defenders contributing 21 shots in total. Physicality also played a role, with Florida’s Eetu Luostarinen and Sam Bennett leading in hits, signaling a physically intense series ahead.
As the series shifts toward Game 2, betting experts have their eyes on several players. Bobrovsky is projected to face a barrage of shots again, while Luostarinen is expected to maintain his high physical output.
Veteran Corey Perry remains a player to watch, especially with his role on a top line alongside McDavid and Draisaitl. Whether the Panthers bounce back or Edmonton continues its momentum, Game 2 promises another high-stakes clash in what is shaping up to be a fiercely competitive Stanley Cup Final.
