Bouchard, Barkov & Bobrovsky: Best Value in Oilers-Panthers Game 2

Edmonton’s defensemen Evan Bouchard (16) and Mattias Ekholm (10) had the most attempted shots in Game 1 and accounted for six of the team’s 32 on net. Both will present plenty of value for goals and multiple points on Monday.

The Florida Panthers continue to show its balance, but center Aleksander Barkov is beginning to push himself to the front of the class for the Conn Smythe Trophy after recording two assists in Game 1. Barkov is now tied with Matthew Tkachuk for the team lead in playoff points (19).

The under has been a very good bet online when these teams have played, especially lately, but at some point, we may have a goal barrage that can pay off prop bettors at the sportsbook. Perhaps that day will be on Monday.

Bouchard Cashing in Bets

The 24-year-old former 10th overall draft pick is slowly becoming one of the league’s best offensive defensemen.

Bouchard is third in the league in playoff points (27) and the gap between him and the rest of the defensemen is almost as big as the age difference of Leonardo DiCaprio and his new girlfriend. He has six goals, 21 assists, and is +13.

Every defenseman to have 20+ assists in a playoff run this century:

— Evan Bouchard (this season)
— Cale Makar (2022)
— Miro Heiskanen (2020) pic.twitter.com/mdW8ITLO89

— StatMuse NHL (@statmusehockey) June 9, 2024

Bouchard was more active than anyone in Game 1 and spent the most time on the ice (27:17), getting four of his shots on net. In 47 career playoff games, he boasts 53 points.

The betting odds are decent for Bouchard if the Oilers can find some holes in goalie Sergei Bobrovsky. Bouchard is +350 to score a goal, +187 to get 2+ points, and +198 to post 4+ shots in Game 2. Ekholm is also +199 to get at least one point. Take your pick.

Smart Money on Barkov? Bet on a Goal or Assists in Game 2

Florida captain Aleksander Barkov ended up with decent stats in the playoffs last season, but he has been way more noticeable on both sides of the ice during this run.

Barkov had five goals and 11 assists in 21 postseason games in 2022-23 and has already surpassed that point total in the first 18 contests. He had two points in the finals last season and registered two assists in Game 1.

“I don’t view Barkov as a shutdown center because he doesn’t hit the ice with the idea of ‘This is all I will do,’” Panthers coach Paul Maurice told reporters. “He’s wired first to think defensively, team hockey first. But he’s a pretty gifted dynamic man as well.”

You can still get decent odds (+300) on Barkov to win the Conn Smythe, But for your more immediate online betting, he is +225 to score a goal and +300 for 2+ assists in Game 2.

“No. 16 is the best defensive hockey player I’ve seen since Bryan Trottier.” – Wayne Gretzky

Aleksander Barkov was humbled to hear the Great One’s comments about him during Game 1 yesterday. pic.twitter.com/xL7OSeKplt

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 10, 2024

Unbeatable Bob: Can He Repeat His Shutout in Game 2?

Florida’s veteran goalie Sergei Bobrovsky is the current favorite for the Conn Smythe (+200) after his sparkling shutout in Game 1.

The Oilers attempted 70 shots and 32 got to him as the 35-year-old Russian won his 42nd career playoff game. He was tested and he will likely be tested again.

The Oilers possessed the puck in the offensive zone for 7:51 of Game 1, the highest allowed by the Panthers in a single game this postseason. But they weren’t able to solve Playoff Bob. pic.twitter.com/aks30A41Ew

— Meghan Chayka (@MeghanChayka) June 9, 2024

You only need to get 27+ saves from Bob for +125 betting odds and +351 for 31+ stops. While Florida’s defense may tighten up a bit, Edmonton should still get plenty of shots off to win those bets.

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