Panthers vs Oilers Prop Picks and Best Bets: McDavid Gets Aggressive Returning Home

Prop bet #1: Counting on Connor

All eyes have been on Connor McDavid in his first Stanley Cup Final, and that focus will be magnified with the Edmonton Oilers facing a 2-0 deficit as they return home. Despite picking up an assist on the Oilers’ lone goal in Game 2, McDavid has otherwise been denied by the Florida Panthers.

McDavid has nine shots on goal and 12 total shot attempts through two games. He fired six shots on net in Game 1 before getting just three on target in Game 2. However, the Oilers superstar should now be able to get a few easier matchups on home ice to open things up.

In the Western Conference Final, McDavid had just five shots on goal through two games in Dallas. He then returned home to record 11 shots combined in Games 3 and 4. A similar trend occurred in the previous series, with five shots on goal following Games 1 and 2 in Vancouver, before putting up eight in the next two home games.

McDavid will be doing everything he can to make sure the Oilers don’t fall into a 3-0 hole, and that includes being aggressive with the puck and testing Bobrovsky.

Connor McDavid prop: Over 3.5 shots (+100 at BET99)

Prop bet #2: Evan Almighty

Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard has played nearly 60 minutes (57:57) through two games, including 30:40 in Game 2. He’s been a weapon for the Oilers all playoffs long and that shouldn’t change on Thursday. 

Bouchard also had an assist on the Oilers’ lone goal in Game 2 and has now recorded an assist in 13 of 20 playoff games, including seven of his last 10 contests. 

Edmonton head coach Kris Knoblauch hasn’t been shy about putting his big guns on the ice whenever he can. The Oilers may not be able to break out for a handful of goals, but even if they only score a few, Bouchard has a great chance of getting in on the action.

Evan Bouchard prop: To record an assist (-130 at BET99)

Prop bet #3: From Russia with Love

Panthers winger Vladimir Tarasenko has settled into a nice third-line role for Florida after seeing time on the top line. Playing alongside Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen, the Russian Winger has been able to consistently generate shots on net.

Although Tarasenko's shots prop is set at 1.5 for Game 3, he’s eclipsed that mark in six straight games and 14 of 19 games in the postseason. The deadline addition for the Panthers had two shots on goal on three attempts in Game 1 before hitting the net three times on six attempts in Game 2.

There is also a distinct possibility that this series continues to be a physical one with penalties called on both sides. Tarasenko sees time on the second power-play unit, offering us an extra chance for the Florida winger to pepper Stuart Skinner. 

Vladimir Tarasenko prop: Over 1.5 shots (-140 at BET99)