Last Word On Hockey
NHL News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumors
Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the Florida Panthers visiting the Edmonton Oilers in this pivotal Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final series. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Time: 8 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: TNT, TruTV, CBC, Sportsnet, TVAS, Max
It’s now a best-of-three between the Panthers and Oilers in the Stanley Cup Final. This round of NHL predictions takes a look at tonight’s matchup after a wild Game 4. Leon Draisaitl helped Edmonton complete a massive comeback with a 5-4 overtime victory. The Oilers were down 3-0 after the first period. However, they came back and finished the improbable comeback.
We saw plenty of emotion and Florida may rue the chance of getting a dominant 3-1 series lead. The series now shifts back to Rogers Place and both teams know this could be the game that shifts momentum.
Let’s take a look at the stats, storylines and predictions ahead of Game 5 in this round of NHL predictions.
It looked like Florida was on its way to a 3-1 series lead after the first period of Game 4. Matthew Tkachuk rattled off a pair of power-play goals in the first period before Anton Lundell capped off the scoring in that frame. Sam Reinhart scored late in the third to force overtime. However, the Oilers walked away with the win.
Sergei Bobrovsky will get the start once again after making 30 saves. It wasn’t the dominating performance like in the first three games. However, the Russian has been solid this series.
Florida’s depth has been a reason that it’s two games away from its second straight championship. However, the Panthers will need to bounce back from an emotional Game 4.
Many had Edmonton left for dead after the period. However, the Oilers fought back little-by-little. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Darnell Nurse and Vasily Podkolzin each scored second-period goals to tie the game at three. Jake Walman‘s goal should have been the game-winner, but Florida had other ideas.
Draisaitl’s goal grabbed the headlines, but Calvin Pickard‘s play in relief helped put Edmontin in position. Pickard is 7-0 this post-season, but always check social media to see if he’ll get the start.
The Oilers showed guts winning that Game 4, but the Panthers have been pretty resilient the last three post-seasons.
Florida is the type of team that can bounce back from a tough setback. Edmonton knows to be prepared for that. The first few minutes of the game could tell the story in this one.
The goalie matchup will be interesting to see. The Oilers choice between Stuart Skinner and Pickard will be interesting. However, Edmonton picks up the win.
Prediction: Oilers win 4-3 in overtime.
We wrap up NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. The over/under for this game is 6.5 and we like the over once again.
As for individual props, go with Brad Marchand to score a goal for the Panthers. As for the Oilers, take Connor McDavid to get the over on 1.5 points.
Main photo by: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Longtime sportswriter for the Watertown Daily Times. I have covered minor league and NCAA hockey in women’s Division I and men’s Division III. Also produce the nationally-syndicated Spadora on Sports radio show.
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