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Stanley Cup Final best bets: Six picks for Oilers-Panthers Game 7

Here we go. No matter how it ultimately unfolds, we're in for a doozy of a Game 7 (8 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN+) to wrap one of the more remarkable final series in the history of all spectator sports. Whether the Oilers continue to ride the momentum by completing this most unlikely of comebacks, unprecedented since 1942, or the Panthers finally manage to close it out after three kicks at that elusive can, we'll undoubtedly have plenty to discuss come Tuesday morning. And for months and years to come.

While the Oilers find themselves in this position by having outscored the Panthers 18-5 in the past three contests, the home team holds a 12-5 record in NHL Game 7 history. Perhaps that's why the oddsmakers have the sides set at even on the moneyline. The past also tells us that we should expect a more conservative, lower-scoring affair in the do-or-die of a Cup Final, yet the most recent four contests all hit over 5.5.

Injury notes: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (illness) sat out Oilers practice Sunday but will play in Game 7, according to coach Kris Knoblauch.

All odds accurate as of publish time. For more, go to ESPN BET.


The lines:

  • Game 7 Puck line: Panthers -1.5 (+220); Oilers +1.5 (-325)

  • Game 7 Over/Under: 5.5 (O +120/U -150)

  • Game 7 Money line: Panthers (-110), Oilers (-110)


The Bets:

Parlay+ (+200): Carter Verhaeghe over 2.5 total shots on goal (-150) & Leon Draisaitl over 2.5 total shots on goal (-125)

It's a bit mind-boggling to consider that these two prolific playoff scorers have combined for just one goal this series, potted by Verhaeghe in the opener. So don't be surprised to witness a superior effort from both in snapping that trend, even if they ultimately prove unsuccessful in finding the back of the net. Draisaitl has fired three-plus shots on goal in four games this series, while Verhaeghe has done so three times.

Game 7 odds boosts:

Carter Verhaeghe or Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to score the first goal (+775)

While Nugent-Hopkins might be a bit under the weather, what better way to celebrate the 13th anniversary of being selected first overall by the Oilers back in 2011 than setting the tone in the biggest game of his career. And if Verhaeghe does emerge as the scoring hero the Panthers desperately need, it's worth noting he potted the opener in Game 1.

Sam Reinhart and Leon Draisaitl each to score anytime (+675)

This is another appealing play if you're keen on the idea of an underperforming scoring star finding the back of the net when it really counts. Reinhart -- who scored 57 goals in the regular season -- has one in this series (Game 3).

Connor McDavid last goal scorer (+750)

Unless you're a Panthers supporter, how incredible would it be to watch the sport's best player cap off a series for the ages with the game winner late in the third or in overtime. Perhaps McDavid scores the sixth goal of a less dramatic 6-1 drubbing by the visitors or an empty netter, like he tucked home to seal the victory in Game 5, or the last goal in a losing effort by Edmonton. Either way it doesn't matter -- the payout remains the same.

FLA Panthers to lead after the first period and to win (+250)

Nailing the opener would undoubtedly prove useful in helping the home team secure their most important victory in franchise history. Having won both games in which they scored first, while conceding the initial tally in all three losses, Florida managed just the one comeback in Game 2 after Mattias Ekholm flipped in a first-period wrister. And, frankly, that was arguably the Panthers' best showing of the series. Anyone on side with a Florida victory might give this hand-in-hand combo some thought.

Parlay+ of the day (+1350):

Connor McDavid anytime goal scorer, Matthew Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov to each record 3-plus shots on goal & Over 5.5 goals in Game 7