Bettors backing Oilers to thwart Panthers repeat
May 31 - With the "dynasty" word being floated freely as the Florida Panthers prepare for their third consecutive Stanley Cup Finals appearance, the public has been backing the Edmonton Oilers to avoid a repeat of last year's finals.
The teams have equal -110 odds at DraftKings to win the series that begins Wednesday in Edmonton, with the Oilers drawing 65 percent of the total early bets and 78 percent of the money wagered on the champion.
The action has been more split at BetMGM, where the Oilers opened as the -125 favorite. Their odds have shortened even further to -130, which has led to the Panthers being backed by 53 percent of the bets and 57 percent of the money at the book.
The total games market has held steady at six, with 98 percent of the money backing the Over, which would mean another dramatic seven-game series.
Edmonton eliminated Dallas in Game 5 of the Western Conference final on Thursday, setting up a repeat of last year's Stanley Cup Final won by Florida in seven games. It's also the first repeat matchup in the Final since Detroit and Pittsburgh met in 2008 and 2009.
The Oilers are consensus 1.0-goal favorites (+153) nearly a week ahead of Game 1. The line is 1.5 goals at DraftKings (+190), Caesars (+180) and BetMGM (+192), which reported 66 percent of the money also backing Edmonton's -120 Game 1 moneyline.
"They're a really good team and we're a really good team as well," Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl said of the Panthers. "It's nice to get a shot at getting some revenge, but we're a long ways from that. We'll enjoy this and get ready."
In last year's Stanley Cup Final, Edmonton lost the first three games but pushed it to the limit before dropping the deciding game 2-1.
Now the Oilers have their opportunity to not only win the Stanley Cup but claim the crown against the club that broke their hearts.
"I think we're better for going through last year," Oilers star Connor McDavid said. "It's a great learning experience and really driven us all year. This run has felt very different than last year. It's felt very normal. ...
"Games can be emotionally draining, but we're not drained. We've got as good a chance as they do."
--Field Level Media
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