Florida Panthers vs Edmonton Oilers Picks and Predictions June 17th 2025

Game scenario

Edmonton trails the Stanley Cup Final 3–2 and must win Game 6 in Sunrise to avoid a repeat of last year’s heartbreaking finish at the Panthers’ rink. The 2024 runners-up rallied from down 0–3 only to fall in Game 7; now they seek to force a decisive seventh contest back in Edmonton’s friendly confines.

Oilers’ path to forcing a Game 7

Connor McDavid broke through with his first goal of the series in Game 5, but it was the complementary scoring—depth contributions and disciplined defense—that kept the Oilers alive. Coach Kris Knoblauch praised his veterans’ poise, and the forwards need to convert on early chances this time. Special teams will loom large: Edmonton’s power play must capitalize, and the penalty kill must shut down Sam Bennett, who has already netted five Finals goals and leads all road skaters with 13 postseason tallies.

Panthers’ blueprint for clinching

Florida feeds off hostile home crowds and its own Finals experience. Sam Bennett’s record for road goals in one postseason underscores his impact when the stakes are highest, while Aleksander Barkov’s shutdown two-way play has repeatedly stifled McDavid’s line. The depth scoring—most recently from Tomas Nosek’s line—and a structured defensive-zone coverage have limited Edmonton’s high-octane attack.

Goaltending decision

After a rough stretch, Calvin Pickard struggled for four goals on 18 shots in Game 5 but remains 7–1 this postseason. Stuart Skinner has faltered twice in relief but boasts a 2.90 GAA and .891 save percentage in 14 Finals starts. Knoblauch faces a tough call: ride Pickard’s recent success or revert to Skinner’s bulk of work. Whoever draws the nod must withstand Florida’s balanced attack and give Edmonton a chance to extend the series.

Handicapper spotlight — James Acker

Premium capper James Acker has opened the Stanley Cup Final 3–0 for a $1,241 profit over the past 30 days. Acker’s model prizes road teams in elimination spots when their depth scoring matches up favorably, making Edmonton on the moneyline his featured release. Follow his full angle on the Scores and Stats.

Betting tools & analysis

For real-time odds on Game 6, visit the Scores and Stats page. To fine-tune your approach with head-to-head splits, special-teams metrics, and situational trends, see the comprehensive Scores and Stats . For rosters, ice-time breakdowns, and matchup previews, explore the Scores and Stats hub.

Prediction: Oilers 4, Panthers 3 (OT). Edmonton’s depth lines support a hot goalie, and McDavid delivers the series-extending tally in overtime, rewarding James Acker’s pick as the Cup heads back to Alberta.