Scorelines have been looking more like those from the UEFA Champions League in recent Stanley Cup playoff games. A surprise contributor to the trend has been Edmonton, working on an astounding 28 straight penalty kills in a new defensive umbrella that tightened in the Vancouver series when Cal Pickard was in the nets (Stuart Skinner has since returned and played well). Florida however has airtight defense, closes down the center of the ice, has a "stopper" in Alexander Barkov to hound Connor McDavid & Co (as the Lightning, Bruins, and Rangers found out), and on top of all else has a potential Conn Smythe winner in goal with Sergei Bobrovsky. Looks like a 2-1 or 3-2-type of game tonight. Play Oilers-Panthers "Under"

Normally I'd say obviously wait until much closer to game time, but I think we are safe from any injuries or suspensions with both teams off for so long ahead of Game 1 Saturday -- plus I'm doing some traveling this week so not sure how online I will be. If experience in the Stanley Cup Finals means anything, the Panthers have a massive advantage even with Coach Paul Maurice. Pretty much new for everyone on the Oilers. Hate to bet against Connor McDavid but perhaps some rust/trying too hard type thing in the opener. Florida won both regular-season meetings and should have the advantage in net and defensively overall -- although Edmonton's Stuart Skinner has been excellent of late.