Stanley Cup Final betting Four picks for Game 5

Padres Profar hits grand slam after early dustup

How much do you believe in the strength of momentum? Because that intangible factor might be Edmonton's most powerful weapon heading into Game 5.

After pounding the Panthers 8-1 in Game 4, whilst chasing Conn Smythe co-favorite Sergei Bobrovsky from the crease early in the second period, the Oilers have every right to feel more confident heading back to Florida. They finally managed to overwhelm Paul Maurice's charges with their speed, while capitalizing on more than a dozen of their rush scoring chances. Now this was the brand of Oilers hockey that we had become accustomed to.

And yet, Florida doesn't seem to be the least bit bothered by Saturday's lopsided shellacking. Why should they? The Panthers are a club that's proven able to curb Edmonton's dynamic offense with their aggressive, physical play. One that has lost two straight only once this postseason, in overtime to the Rangers on both occasions. Never mind that their netminder has yet to post two dud showings in a row. Recent history indicates Florida will bounce back just fine.

While it feels a bit strange to suggest that the team coming off the wrong side of an 8-1 decision, in the Stanley Cup Final no less, might feel even more self-assured ahead of the next contest, again, the oddsmakers certainly seem to feel that way

Injury notes: Panthers Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Bennett, and Aaron Ekblad are all expected to suit up for Game 5 after missing Monday's practice. According to head coach Kris Knoblauch, Oilers forward Evander Kane (sports hernia) could be back in the lineup after sitting out both games in Edmonton.

All odds accurate as of publish time. For more, go to ESPN BET. 

Edmonton Oilers at Florida Panthers

Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise, Florida; Tuesday, 8 p.m. ET 

Game 5 Puck line: Panthers -1.5 (+175); Oilers +1.5 (-225) Game 5 Over/Under: 5.5 (-105/-115) Game 5 Money line: Panthers (-140); Oilers (+120)

Sergei Bobrovsky over 25.5 total saves (Even)

The pattern of the past couple of months tells us Bobrovsky isn't likely to get embarrassed two games in a row. After surrendering six goals to the Tampa Bay Lightning in late April, he responded with a 31-save series-clinching win. The second-round opener -- a dismal 5-1 loss to the Boston Bruins -- was followed up with a near shutout in Game 2. Bob again made quick amends for his only (arguable) lackluster affair against the New York Rangers by muscling out a 3-2 OT victory in Game 4. Plus, Florida's star netminder has already made 32 saves twice in Stanley Cup Final. Consider tossing in a bet on the Panthers money line (-140), or even on the 1.5-point spread (+180), if this number alone doesn't strike your stake fancy.

Parlay+ (+207): Carter Verhaeghe over 2.5 (-165) total shots on goal and Connor McDavid over 3.5 total shots on goal (-110)

McDavid has averaged 4.0 shots per game this series, while Verhaeghe -- who has the wherewithal to erupt any single contest -- has banged out 2.75. I like that arithmetic, particularly bundled together.

Parlay+ (+925): Leon Draisaitl over 0.5 total goals (+155), Connor McDavid over 1.5 total points (-115) and Oilers ML (-115)

It's curious to note that Draisaitl didn't earn a single goal during the Oilers' 8-1 bombardment in Game 4. It's more boggling to recognize that the prolific scorer hasn't potted a goal since Game 4 against Dallas. Whether he is playing hurt or not, it is likely he is annoyed about this uncharacteristic six-contest dry stretch. If the Oilers manage to pull off another series-saving victory, it's more than reasonable to expect contributions from the club's two best players. Especially from Draisaitl.

FLA Panthers to lead after the 1st Period & to win (+230)

This is a juicier line for those who feel good about a Florida win tonight. In the Panthers' last series against the Rangers, Florida scored the only goal in the first period before wrapping matters up with an eventual 2-1 series-clinching victory.