Tonight, the puck drops on a highly anticipated Stanley Cup Final rematch between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers.
Both teams filled the net while ripping apart their respective conferences, each averaging just under four goals per game.
With any luck, the fireworks will continue to be on display in Game 1. Let’s take a look at a few players worth backing to find the net with my NHL picks for June 4.
NHL anytime goalscorer picks for Panthers vs Oilers Game 1
Connor McDavid (+145 at Bet99)
Carter Verhaeghe (+255 at Bet99)- Evander Kane (+300 at Bet99)
Panthers vs Oilers anytime goalscorer props for tonight
Connor McDavid (+145 at BET99)
Connor McDavid averaged 2.9 shots on 5.5 attempts during the regular season but has seen those numbers spike drastically in the playoffs. Through three rounds, McDavid has generated 3.7 shots on 6.8 attempts per game.
He has performed much better at home soil, averaging 4.4 shots on 8.0 attempts in Edmonton. Those are night and day to his road averages (3.1 shots on 5.8 attempts).
Unsurprisingly, that’s translated to goals as well. McDavid has found the back of the net four times through seven home games compared to just twice in nine road appearances.
One reason is the matchup game. McDavid draws the best of the best each night when on the road.
At home, Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch has given Leon Draisaitl the most challenging assignments. That has freed up McDavid to play easier minutes, and he has taken advantage of them.
Expect the league’s best player, who also happens to lead all players in scoring chances during the playoffs, to find twine in the series opener.
Carter Verhaeghe (+255 at Bet99)
Carter Verhaeghe didn’t have the best regular season, but he has really shown up for the playoffs. He’s recorded 14 points through 17 games and has already scored six goals, producing at a 29-goal pace over 82 games.
That is no fluke. Verhaeghe leads the Florida Panthers in shot attempts, scoring chances, and high-danger opportunities during this playoff run.
He has spent more time with Sam Bennett than Aleksander Barkov and, believe it or not, that has really helped his volume.
Verhaeghe has averaged 22 shot attempts and 12 scoring chances per 60 minutes of 5-on-5 play with Bennett.
His numbers alongside Barkov are not nearly as good, with Verhaeghe generating 12 attempts and seven chances per 60 minutes.
Skating on a line with Bennett in the series opener, Verhaeghe should have less defensive responsibility and more chances to put his shot to use.
Evander Kane (+300 at BET99)
Evander Kane missed the entire regular season due to injury, but you wouldn’t know it from his playoff performance. He’s shown no signs of rust.
The veteran power winger has five goals through 15 games and has been one of the Oilers’ most threatening players.
He is tied for the team lead in 5-on-5 goals and has recorded more shot attempts and scoring chances than all but Connor McDavid.
Kane has bounced around Edmonton’s lineup throughout the playoffs, spending at least 30 minutes of ice with 11 different players.
Of that group, his chance rate is at its highest when playing with Leon Draisaitl, who is expected to be his center in Game 1.
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