Written by Graeme on Thursday, June 12th, 2025
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The Oilers were absolutely pounded in Game 3 by the Florida Panthers.
One of those things that is so conflicting because both myself and Scott backed the Panthers in Game 2 and 3. And while it’s nice to win, we’d of course much prefer seeing the Oilers take it down.
And hell above all else – just give us good quality games. Game 1 & 2 were a blast. Game 3 was not. The Oilers looked absolutely piss-poor and were giving away so many stupid penalties.
It then boiled over in the third. Were the Oilers having a hissy fit? Or were they showing passion? Or getting all their frustrations out? Who the hell knows.
Let’s look at Game 4:
Scott: The Oilers looked bad and had their worst game in weeks and the Panthers took advantage and pounded them 6-1 for the first win in regulation in these finals.
The Panthers chased Skinner from the goal after he allowed 5 on 23 shots.
Even with the pushing and shoving that took place at the end of the period the Oilers and Panthers both took 4 penalties. Quite a few dumb penalties and seeing the Oilers look frazzled was a strange site. In the end the Oilers took 15 minor penalties. Shit really hit the fan in the 3rd when there was a brawl and the emotions really took over.
With game 4 still in Florida and after the way they played in game 3 I do like the Panthers. They are just a deep team and the Oilers can’t keep all of them contained. They know that they will have to head back to Edmonton after this game and a 3-1 lead sounds better than 2-2.
Panthers won in regulation
Graeme: Oilers have been out there practising hard. They realize just how crucial this game is. Not only to tie the series up, but to go down 3-1 with another trip to Florida looming would be a brutal situation for them.
By the metrics, Panthers have been a bit….I don’t want to say lucky, buy things have definitely went their way a bit more. And the Oilers self-combusting helps.
I’m very concerned about that Oilers goaltending situation. And also the regression from the bottom six in this series so far. They’re definitely missing Hyman too.
I’m going to go with Oilers incl OT. I don’t have too much to back that except it’s at a solid underdog price, and based on the first two games this looked to be a very 50/50 series. The metrics over all 3 games still sorta support that, and the Panthers HAVE had a bit of luck.
Graeme–how bout using this as backing–Oilers and skinner 18-3 I believe in games 4-7 in Series over last 3 years–yr 1 lost 2 straight to vegas and other loss in game 7 sc last yr—great backing now lol cheers
I can’t be bothered looking all that up just now to confirm or look at the context ha – but that actually could have relevance if he generally shows up in “clutch” situations. So we’ll see how tonight goes.
I have no idea. Historically, very few playoff series go four straight as “Over” results. Game 4 is deep enough into the series where something different is due.
My inclination is to think the Oilers win today. But as for the Over/Under, the consistent Over so far could be in danger. So many things are unknown;
☼ how will penalties affect the play and the score,
☼ how will each team perform,
☼ how many play-through injuries are stacking up,
☼ which team shows the most resilient determination,
☼ will officiating be faulty or not,
☼ will lesser players pull off surprises, as is common late in the playoffs, and
☼ will any team adjust their play in any surprising and effective way that adjusts how things turn out?
I think these games have shown the depth of the Panthers. Close in both away games and then the domination on home ice. Time to get a firm grip of the home ice advantage they have given them selves!
Depth over 2-4 individuals.
Panthers ml, reg, -1, -2