Mike Brehm,Jace EvansUSA TODAY
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USA TODAY Sports' pre-series prediction for the Stanley Cup Final was split down the middle between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers.
For a while, it looked like the Panthers would prevail as they won the first three games. But the Oilers have won the last three to tie the series.
Now, it comes down to Game 7 on Monday night in Florida.
“We really haven’t done anything yet,” Oilers captain Connor McDavid told reporters on Sunday. “We’ve won three big games to get ourselves back in the series and it comes down to one game here and we’ll be ready.”
What are the predictions for Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final?
Here's what to know about the winner-take-all game.
What time is Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final?
Game 7 is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Monday at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida.
How to watch, live stream Stanley Cup Final Game 7?
Game 7 will be shown nationally on ABC in the United States. It will be shown on Sportsnet and CBC in Canada. It can be streamed on ESPN+ andFubo.
Game 7 predictions
Mike Brehm: Oilers 4, Panthers 2. I originally predicted the Panthers would win the series in seven games but in a more traditional manner, not having a 3-0 lead evaporate. The way it has happened doesn't give me confidence in Florida's ability to turn it around for one final game. The Panthers carried play late in Games 5 and 6 but only after falling behind. Perhaps if they can start Game 7 that way, they will win their first championship. But the Oilers have figured out the Panthers' forechecking scheme and goalie Sergei Bobrovsky, plus they're winning the special teams battle. McDavid will walk away with the Stanley Cup and the Conn Smythe Trophy.
Jace Evans: Oilers 3, Panthers 1. I picked the Oilers to win the Stanley Cup before the playoffs and I picked them to beat the Panthers in seven before this series – though admittedly, I didn’t expect them to reach Game 7 like this. Can they keep the momentum going? Skeptics will say the concept isn’t real, so it won’t be surprising if an excellent team like Florida finds a way to win on home ice. But there’s no denying the Oilers are playing better right now. Beyond having McDavid – who I expect to have a big Game 7 after a relatively quiet Game 6 by his standards – the Oilers’ biggest, and most surprising, advantage has come in goal. Stuart Skinner has thoroughly outplayed Bobrovsky during Edmonton's comeback, and if "Late Series Stu" shows up again, the Oilers just might complete the greatest comeback in the modern history of the NHL.
Stanley Cup Final Game 7 goaltending matchup
Panthers' Bobrovsky (15-8, 2.38 goals-against average, .903 save percentage) vs. Oilers' Skinner (14-8, 2.46, .901)
Florida Panthers' Game 7 keys to victory
- Get a better start, especially with the home crowd behind them. They have fallen behind at least 2-0 in each of the last three games. In Game 6, they had only two shots on goal in the first period.
- Play their fast and physical style but be wary of the Oilers' speed. Don't let them get behind you with odd-man rushes.
- Find a way to get the power play going. They moved defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson onto the point in Game 6. Forward Vladimir Tarasenko was moved to the top unit in practice Sunday in place of Carter Verhaeghe.
Edmonton Oilers' Game 7 keys to victory
- More of the same. Quick, up-ice passes to get around the Panthers' forecheck. Lots of speed on the rush.
- Continue their special teams dominance. Pressure the Panthers and don't let them get inside.
- Another big game from Skinner, who has outplayed Bobrovsky the last three games. Skinner has won a Game 7 on the road this postseason during the second round against the Vancouver Canucks.
Stanley Cup Final Game 7 betting odds
According to BetMGM:
Moneyline
Panthers -105; Oilers -115
Spread
Panthers -1.5 (+240); Oilers +1.5 (+240)
Over/under
Over 5.5 (+130); under 5.5, (-150)
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