Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final was a bit of a disappointment for Sergei Bobrovsky and the Florida Panthers. It was expected that the Eastern Conference champions would ease up in Game 4 after dominating the first three games of the series. But a crushing 8-1 defeat for the Oilers might just be the wake-up call they needed to potentially turn things around in the series. However, history is not on their side, as no team has come back from a three-game deficit in the Cup Final since 1942.
As we look ahead to Game 5 between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers, let’s explore some betting options.
The Panthers are favored to win the game, and if you believe they will, betting on them to win by more than 1.5 goals might be a good option at +185 odds. With the Oilers desperate to stay alive in the series, they could pull their goalie late in the game, opening up scoring opportunities for the Panthers.
Vladimir Tarasenko has been on a scoring streak, netting goals in the last two games. With strong value at +140, betting on him to score at least 1 point in Game 5 could be a smart move.
Evan Rodrigues has been consistently hitting over 1.5 shots in recent games, and with the Panthers playing at home and having the last change, he could continue this trend in Game 5.
Connor McDavid, despite his impressive performance in Game 4 with four points, only managed two shots on goal. However, betting on him to have over 3.5 shots in Game 5 might still be a good bet, considering his talent and previous performances in the series.
The Conn Smythe Trophy debate is heating up, with Bobrovsky losing some favor after a rough Game 4. Barkov, the Selke Trophy winner for best defensive forward, has emerged as a top contender for the MVP award. However, questions remain about his defensive performance in the last game. If the series ends in five games, Bobrovsky might still have a shot at the Conn Smythe Trophy.
If the series goes to Game 6 or Game 7, other players like McDavid could enter the discussion for the MVP award, even if the Oilers ultimately lose the series.
As we look forward to Game 5, the stakes are high for both teams. Will the Panthers close out the series, or will the Oilers stage a miraculous comeback? Stay tuned for an exciting matchup.