NHL Best Bets Today: Expert NHL Picks for 06/04/2025

The Oilers enter Game 1 with revenge on their minds after last year's Stanley Cup Finals defeat to these same Panthers, dropping the first three games before ultimately losing in seven.

Edmonton has been dominant throughout these playoffs, suffering just four losses across three rounds while displaying excellence from both their star players and supporting cast.

Stuart Skinner has elevated his play significantly since Round 2, providing the consistent goaltending the Oilers need to challenge Florida's offensive firepower.

The Rogers Place crowd should provide a massive home-ice advantage, with emotions running especially high given last year's painful defeat to this opponent.

The Oilers' offensive firepower (65 playoff goals) combined with improved defensive structure (only 45 goals allowed) makes them the right side in the series opener at a reasonable price.

Both offenses have been firing on all cylinders throughout the playoffs, with Florida scoring 66 goals and Edmonton notching 65 through their respective conference playoff runs.

The Oilers specifically have been on a scoring tear, putting up 16 goals in just their last three games while utilizing their elite speed and puck movement to overwhelm opponents.

Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl continue to drive Edmonton's attack, while Florida counters with their own offensive stars in Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk who have been dominant in establishing offensive zone presence.

First games in a series often feature more open play as teams feel each other out, which should benefit offensive opportunities before defensive adjustments are made.

Edmonton's Evan Bouchard has been a significant offensive threat from the blue line, adding another dimension to an already potent attack that should help push this game over the total.

McDavid has been the driving force behind Edmonton's playoff success, consistently creating scoring chances for himself and teammates throughout their run to the Finals.

The Oilers captain will be especially motivated after last year's defeat to these same Panthers, where he'll look to make an immediate statement in Game 1.

Edmonton's home ice advantage should provide McDavid with favorable matchups that head coach Kris Knoblauch can exploit against Florida's defensive pairings.

The Panthers will likely focus on shutting down either McDavid or Draisaitl, but rarely can teams contain both, giving McDavid opportunities to produce points regardless of defensive attention.

With 16 goals in their last three games, the Oilers' offense is clicking at the perfect time, giving McDavid ample opportunity to factor into the scoring in what projects as a high-scoring affair.