NHL Stanley Cup Final 2024: Odds, Hot Takes, Top Storylines for Game 2

The Florida Panthers won Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final despite being outplayed by the Edmonton Oilers.

Florida needs to fix Edmonton's dominance in the attacking zone in Monday's Game 2 so that Sergei Bobrovsky has a bit of relief in goal.

The Panthers started to take over in the third period with a better defensive effort, but they were not too aggressive in front of Stuart Skinner in the Edmonton net while they tried to kill off the game.

Florida must pair its third period defense from Game 1 with an improved offensive effort to counter whatever Edmonton throws at it.

The Oilers will likely stick to the Game 1 game plan to get more shots on Bobrovsky, and one of the in-game adjustments could stick if they do not score. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl typically start on different lines, but we could see much more of them together at even strength if goals do not flow in for the Western Conference champion.

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook.

Money Line

Florida (-135; bet $135 to win $100)

Edmonton (+114; bet $100 to win $114)

Puck Line

Florida (-1.5; +185)

Edmonton (+1.5; -225)

Over/Under: 5.5

Florida was on the back foot for the first two periods of Game 2.

Sure, the Panthers were ahead on the scoreboard, but Edmonton controlled the puck and generated far more chances on net.

The Panthers began to turn the tables with a physical third period in which their forecheck was more effective.

Florida must bring the third-period intensity from Game 1 into Game 2 so that it can start fast and put all the pressure on the Oilers.

A heightened level of offensive pressure starts with the Sam Bennett-Matthew Tkachuk-Evan Rodrigues line.

Florida's top line will again be attached to the McDavid line, so the Bennett line must take advantage of its matchup and get more pressure on Skinner.

That line combined for just four shots on goal in Game 1. Tkachuk, who had 22 shots on goal in the Eastern Conference Final, only had one attempt go on target.

Tkachuk needs to be more aggressive out of all of Florida's stars, and if that line picks up its offensive game, it could spur the Panthers on to a dominant showing.

McDavid, Draisaitl and Zach Hyman all played over 23 minutes in Game 1.

Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch put his three stars together on the top line to try and create a goal, especially in the third period when down two goals.

The forward trio combined for 13 shots on goal. Defensemen Evan Bouchard and Mattias Ekholm had six attempts on target between them as well. They are typically the defense pairing out with the superstar line.

Draisaitl usually starts away from McDavid on the second line, but if the Oilers fail to generate many chances in the first 10-15 minutes, Knoblauch may not waste any time changing up his lineup.

The Oilers could go to that unit right away, but it may be worth seeing what Draisaitl can create with his linemates before they go to the break-in-case-of-emergency line.

We should see the superstar line thrown out on the ice at some point in Game 2, and if Florida starts strong and goes ahead early, we could see it as early as the first period.

Both teams need scoring depth to show up in the series.

Florida received a goal from Rodrigues off the second line and an empty-netter from Eetu Luostarinen in Game 1.

The Panthers had five forward put multiple shots on goal, but three of those players are on the top line.

Florida needs a little more out of its bottom six to challenge Skinner in net. That collection of players does not need to lead the team in shots on goal, but if it tests Skinner and allows for more offensive zone time, it will have done its job.

Edmonton needs more shooting production from outside McDavid, Draisaitl and Hyman.

Look for Evander Kane and Dylan Holloway to be more aggressive in the lanes in front of Bobrovsky's net.

The two wingers could benefit from playing with Draisaitl early, but if Draisaitl goes up to the top line, they need to provide support around Ryan Nugent-Hopkins or whomever gets switched to their lines.

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