Connor McDavid and the Oilers are on the ropes as the Stanley Cup Final returns to Edmonton for the first time since 2006, with the Florida Panthers leading the series 2-0. Few teams have recovered and won the Cup after losing the first two games, but they did. The last two to come from behind and claim hockey’s Holy Grail are the 2011 Boston Bruins and the 2009 Pittsburgh Penguins.
Earlier this week, McDavid spoke to NHL.com about his outlook with the series returning home.
“It’s exciting, it’s another opportunity for our group to come together and dig a way out,” McDavid said. “It’s supposed to be difficult; It should be difficult, and I’m excited to see what our group is made of. I’m excited to see our group come together, I’m excited to see us fight against the odds, and I’m excited for people to doubt us again, with our backs against the wall.”
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The Oilers are up against it and need McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman to light the bulb. In two games, this trio came up empty, and in fact, Edmonton only scored one goal in two games.
The Oilers’ top line saw a lot of Aleksander Barkov and his linemates in Sunrise, FL, but the Panthers captain is a question mark early in Game 3 after taking an elbow to the head from Leon Draisaitl late in Game 2 . Barkov skated with his teammates on Wednesday morning, but if the NHL’s top defensive forward is sidelined, McDavid and co. will have more space to operate.
Let’s dive in and highlight the plethora of betting options available for Game 3.
Game 3
Florida Panthers (+114) vs. Edmonton Oilers (-135)
Puckline: Lubricators -1.5 (+200) | S/U: 5.5
This bet didn’t pay off in Game 2, as the Oilers were stifled by the Panthers’ exceptional defense. However, we are playing this angle again under the assumption that the enthusiasm of the home crowd, the desperation of the Oilers, and the fact that Edmonton possesses the final line change (not as big an advantage for home teams in recent years, but still a help) will allow them to put more rubber on the Florida goalie.
Connor McDavid OVER 3.5 shots (+100)
The league’s best player took nine shots on goal in two games in the final. There’s no reason to expect the speedy All-Star to generate fewer offenses at home.
Not much value here, but Bouchard is the Oilers’ power play quarterback and Edmonton certainly appears to be on the verge of breaking through with the extra offensive lineman.
Without a doubt, a play with McDavid to break out and have a historic night is tempting. Maybe it’s a Lunch Money bet on McDavid 3+ points (+255). If Barkov doesn’t play in Game 3, there’s no doubt this bet will be made.
Enjoy Game 3. I hope all your tickets are cash.
