McDavid, Draisaitl attempt to lead comeback as Panthers one win away from back-to-back Stanley Cups
The potential biggest game of the series if it doesn't go seven is Game 6 tonight in Sunrise as the Florida Panthers look to make it back-to-back Stanley Cups when returning home with a 3-2 series lead over the Edmonton Oilers.
For bettors, this matchup provides a chance to capitalize on some of our recent strong trends, like our 7-4 record through the first five games of the Stanley Cup Final.
All betting lines are from FanDuel Sportsbook and are subject to change. Hockey is a difficult sport to predict so please gamble responsibly.
More Hockey: First Six Players Named For Each Nation, New 2026 Olympic Betting Odds
Florida Panthers vs Edmonton Oilers Game 6 Best Bets:
- Oilers ML (+125)
- Leon Draisaitl anytime goal (+120)
- Connor McDavid Over 1.5 points (-104)
- Over 6.5 goals (-106)
The Oilers have proven to excel when their backs are against the wall as they came one game short of completing a 3-0 series comeback versus the Panthers in last year's Final and have continued the same success this postseason.
They overcame a 2-0 series hole versus the Kings in the first round and haven't looked back since winning 12 of their next 14 games. The Panthers gave them a taste of their own medicine by rattling off three wins over the last four games after losing Game 1 in overtime.
More NHL: 2026 Stanley Cup Odds: Oilers, Panthers Lead Early Contenders But One Unexpected Favourite Emerges
It's been a tight, thrilling series in some games while others have made the Panthers look like an unstoppable machine. I expect this to completely flip as the Oilers know what to do in this spot.
In the 2023 Stanley Cup Finals, the Panthers themselves were dominated in important games like their 9-3 loss to the Golden Knights in Game 5 when Vegas claimed their first Cup in franchise history. I expect a similar performance from the Oilers as we've been long overdue for a big road game from Edmonton's biggest stars.
We covered it in a recent story that McDavid has rarely covered his over in points on the road in Florida, only doing so just once. The rest of the Oilers lineup has less than a point per game average in six road playoff games in Florida and this should change. The red hot Leon Draisaitl has just three points, Evan Bouchard has five points and the trip of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Corey Perry and Darnell Nurse all have two points.
The truly elite Florida defence has been so for too long and it's long overdue for a blowup game like when the Oilers went on the road and won 5-3 in Game 5 of last year's Final.
The biggest games should come for Edmonton's top players in Draisaitl and McDavid. The German winger has just one goal in his last three games, the 52-goal scorer will certainly break his cold streak on the road in Florida and score a big goal. McDavid should breakthrough for a multi-point game and help lift the Oilers to a massive win, forcing Game 7 on Friday.
More NHL: Malkin's Last Ride? Penguins Star Nears NHL Farewell Against the Odds