The Edmonton Oilers aim to take a 2-0 lead in the Stanley Cup Final series following a comeback victory in overtime during Game 1 on Wednesday night.
Leon Draisaitl, who finished the regular season as the NHL`s leading goal scorer with 52, netted his second goal of Game 1 with a precise pass from Connor McDavid, securing the win for the Oilers in the best-of-seven series opener. After dropping their first two games of the playoffs, the Oilers have been dominant, winning 13 of their subsequent 15 contests as they head into the crucial Game 2 on Friday.
Puck drop for Game 2 is set for 8 p.m. ET on Friday night at Rogers Place in Edmonton. The latest odds show the Oilers as -128 favorites (wager $128 to win $100), while the Panthers are listed as +108 underdogs (wager $100 to win $108). For insights before placing any wagers, consider the Game 2 NHL score prediction from SportsLine expert Eric Cohen.
Eric Cohen is a recognized SportsLine expert and a personality from the Early Edge program. He has a track record of successful predictions, including two golf winners in the past month and ranking among the top three college football experts on the platform. Cohen has also placed a series bet on the Oilers to lift the Stanley Cup at -120 odds.
Here are Eric Cohen`s key picks for Game 2 of the Panthers vs. Oilers:
- Oilers Moneyline (-128)
- Under 6.5 total goals (-125)
- Connor McDavid to score a goal (+155)
- Score prediction: Oilers 3, Panthers 2
Cohen`s Analysis: In Game 1, Edmonton appeared to be the better team for much of the game, outshooting Florida 46-32, which suggests they might have deserved a larger margin of victory. Despite the strength of the defending champions, the Oilers` offense is currently performing exceptionally well. Connor McDavid and his teammates boast a strong home record this season (7-1), and Cohen doesn`t foresee them suffering their second home defeat on Friday. Although the Panthers have a significant advantage in goaltending with Sergei Bobrovsky compared to Stuart Skinner, the momentum and the home crowd advantage seem to be with the Oilers, especially after Florida lost a 3-1 lead in the second period of Game 1. Cohen anticipates the Oilers taking an early lead and holding on for a narrow victory, securing a 2-0 series lead. He also finds value in betting on McDavid to score a goal at +155 odds.
Having reviewed Eric Cohen`s top bets for Panthers vs. Oilers Game 2, note that additional picks for this matchup are available from a computer model that entered the 2025 Stanley Cup Final with an impressive combined record of 80-56 on top-rated NHL puck-line and over/under betting picks.
Elton Marrow 
Torin Vale