The Stanley Cup is on the line for Game 7 between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers.
The pregame narrative: Big players shine in big moments. I expect Connor McDavid to rise to the occasion and deliver a signature performance in Game 7. I am fading a struggling Carter Verhaeghe as production continues to elude him.
Check out these Oilers vs. Panthers props for Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final on June 24.
Oilers vs. Panthers props
Best bet: McDavid to score 2+ points (+104)
McDavid was pointless in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final but consider that the calm before the storm.
The superstar forward has been just that in the second half of this series. He has seven points since Game 3, topping this total in three of four games.
Usage is never a concern for McDavid but the best player in the league will likely see even more ice time in the biggest game of the season.
He's averaging 22:55 in ice time in the playoffs — the most of any active forward — and it won't be a surprise if he clears that total in Game 7.
McDavid is the key cog on an Oilers power play that's also starting to rediscover itself. The team has gone 3-for-13 on the man advantage since Game 4 after going 0-for-10 through the first three contests of the series.
The Edmonton captain has factored on all three of his team's power-play goals in the Stanley Cup Final.
I'm picking Edmonton to win and that likely means McDavid is at the forefront of it. Back the greatest player in the league to put the final touches on the greatest comeback in decades.
Key stat: McDavid's 42 playoff points are 10 more than the next closest player, teammate Evan Bouchard.
Quick pick
Verhaeghe to not score 1+ point (+115): Verhaeghe is third on the Panthers in points (19) this postseason but his Stanley Cup Final output leaves plenty to be desired.
The Florida forward only has two points through the first six games of this series. He did reach the score sheet in Game 6 but his larger body of work suggests he's a solid fade candidate.
The Panthers are typically skating around in their own zone when Verhaeghe is on the ice. The winger is a horrific -11 in the last four games of this series. His Corsi for mark of nine is a disappointing 12th during this stretch, also.
His struggles are a continuation of how he finished the Eastern Conference Final against the New York Rangers. He was pointless in the last two games of that series, also.
Verhaeghe's ice time is also down in the Stanley Cup Final. He's averaging 19:20 in ice time in the playoffs but is seeing just 17:33 time on ice against Edmonton.
Picks made at 1:30 p.m. ET on 06/23/2024.
