Forget the fluff—Florida just crushed Edmonton 6–1 in Game 3 and leads the 2025 Stanley Cup Final 2–1. If you’re tracking this series and eyeing betting markets, this is the moment to lock in real value. And if you haven’t yet explored the top hockey betting sites, now’s the time. Not all books offer the same lines or boosts, so where you bet can actually tilt the edge in your favor.
The Current Score: Florida Leads 2–1
Game 3 was a gut punch for the Oilers. After splitting Games 1 and 2 in dramatic overtime showdowns, the Panthers came into Game 3 like they had something to prove. From the puck drop, Florida set the tone—Carter Verhaeghe scored just 56 seconds in, and it spiraled from there.
By the time the third period started, Edmonton was already down 4–1 and their goalie Stuart Skinner was watching from the bench. Florida scored two more to seal the 6–1 demolition. The Panthers didn’t just win. They bullied. They dominated. The team dictated every inch of the ice.
If you’re betting this series game-by-game, that shift in tone is massive. Florida isn’t just “winning” anymore. They’re controlling the tempo and the mindset.
Game 3: The Panthers’ Statement
You could see this coming. Florida’s strategy was clear from Game 1—they wanted to wear down Edmonton physically and mentally. They played aggressive, borderline reckless hockey. It’s not elegant, but it works.
Florida drew 14 penalties in Game 3. That’s an absurd number in a Stanley Cup Final game. Edmonton handed them 21 penalty minutes, and the Panthers capitalized. They went 3-for-11 on the power play. They killed five of six penalties. That’s a massive swing.
More importantly, Florida’s forecheck was relentless. They forced turnovers, suffocated transition plays, and got shots off in dangerous areas. Sam Bennett’s goal? Just a microcosm. He burst out of the penalty box, read the neutral zone pass, went one-on-one, and buried it.
When one team is making everything look easy and the other is scrambling to hold formation, betting lines start shifting hard. And that’s already happening.
Who’s Standing Out?
Sam Bennett
There’s a reason everyone’s talking about him. He’s not the flashiest skater, but he’s been the Panthers’ emotional engine. The physical play, the attitude, the finishing—he’s been huge every game. His Game 3 breakaway goal wasn’t just highlight reel material; it was a tone-setter.
Sergei Bobrovsky
Quietly putting together a Finals MVP resume. Bobrovsky stopped 32 of 33 shots in Game 3. He’s giving up fewer rebounds, playing tighter angles, and staying composed even with traffic in the crease. For bettors, this matters: fewer second-chance goals = safer under picks.
Evan Rodrigues & Carter Verhaeghe
You need depth scoring to win Cups. These guys are stepping up. Rodrigues had a goal and two assists. Verhaeghe scored the opening goal. When Florida’s second and third lines are this productive, puck-line bettors take notice.
On the Edmonton Side
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl were mostly neutralized. Edmonton’s only goal came from Corey Perry. That’s not sustainable. If McDavid doesn’t control pace, they don’t win. Simple as that.
Also worth noting: Skinner got pulled after giving up five goals. Jack Campbell mopped up. That could spark a goalie change in Game 4, which changes all goalie prop bets and spreads.
Prop Markets and Niche Bets
Power play props are gold right now. Florida had 11 chances in Game 3. If that keeps up, you can exploit over/under on power-play goals.
Penalty minutes are another angle. Refs are letting things get chippy. Consider betting the over on team penalties or total PIMs.
Goalie save props also worth watching. Bobrovsky’s numbers are climbing, especially if Edmonton dumps-and-chases more in Game 4.
Live betting? Panthers often strike early. Betting them for first-period moneyline or total goals can return value fast—just use sports betting apps with live lines so you can react on the fly.
Betting Market Overview
Now let’s talk lines. After Game 3, most sportsbooks have shifted their odds in Florida’s favor.
- Game 4 Moneyline: Panthers –146, Oilers +123
- Over/Under: 6.5 goals (leaning under after Game 3’s pace change)
- Series Odds: Panthers –260 to win Cup, Oilers +215
- Puck-line Game 4: Oilers +1.5 at around –202 odds
Smart bettors are already hitting two angles:
- Edmonton +1.5 – Despite the blowout, Edmonton has covered this in 15 of their last 16 playoff games. One bad game doesn’t erase a trend.
- Under 6.5 – Playoff hockey tends to tighten. After a wild first period, Game 3 slowed down. Bobrovsky’s form also supports betting the under.
Looking at the trends and performance, Florida’s winning formula right now is defense-first pressure with opportunistic scoring. That leans under. If Edmonton slows things down, the under becomes even more attractive.
Game 4: What To Watch For
Edmonton has to reset. That means a couple things:
- Possibly swapping goalies
- Doubling down on speed, avoiding scrums
- Shorter shifts to keep fresh legs against Florida’s forecheck
- Adjusting the power play—too predictable in Game 3
The Panthers, on the other hand, will lean into what works: punish the boards, fire pucks at Skinner (or Campbell), and crash the net.
For bettors, this means focusing on tempo. If Edmonton gets stuck again early, the puck-line may swing out of reach fast. But if they control neutral ice and avoid penalties, we could see a low-scoring nail-biter—great for under and prop bettors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s a puck-line?
A: It’s the hockey version of a spread: –1.5 for the favorite, +1.5 for the underdog.
Q: Are live bets worth it in hockey?
A: Absolutely. Momentum shifts fast. Teams that strike first often dictate the rest.
Q: Do sportsbooks shift odds mid-series?
A: Yes. After Game 3, Florida’s odds tightened fast. That changes value bets and futures.
Q: What’s the best bet type for beginners?
A: Stick to moneyline or puck-line until you’re confident with totals and props.
Q: How Do Odds Work in Sports Betting?
A: –150 means you bet $150 to win $100. +150 means you bet $100 to win $150. These are called sports betting odds—they show how much you risk versus what you can win. It’s all about risk and payout.
Betting Blueprint—Edge or No Edge?
Here’s where the rubber hits the road: the Panthers don’t just have a lead—they have control. They’ve shown depth, aggression, and goaltending superiority. Edmonton needs a near-perfect Game 4 to stay alive.
For bettors, that means:
- Don’t overreact to one blowout—Edmonton can bounce back.
- Bet puck-line for value; Panthers –1.5 if you think momentum keeps rolling.
- The under 6.5 is trending strong if Florida keeps dictating pace.
- Use sports betting apps to watch line moves live—especially for props and goal-scorer markets.
Whether you’re leaning on a straight winner, digging into prop bets, or stacking parlays, now is the time to bet with your head—not your heart. Make the call, get on the top hockey betting sites, and don’t wait for momentum to make the decision for you.
Want that edge? Bet now—before Game 4 changes the entire picture.
