Sergei Bobrovsky and the Florida Panthers are looking to extend their series lead against the Edmonton Oilers in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final on Thursday. Bobrovsky was pivotal in Game 3, making 32 saves while his teammates contributed to a commanding 6-1 victory, giving the Panthers a 2-1 series edge. The betting odds favor Florida at -149, while Edmonton stands as a +125 underdog, reflecting the fierce competition as both teams vie for the championship.

Player props for this crucial matchup highlight Bobrovsky's anticipated performance, set at over 26.5 saves against an Oilers team desperate to rebound, alongside Carter Verhaeghe, who has already made a significant impact in the finals with five points. Evan Bouchard also emerges as a notable player to watch, aiming to exceed 2.5 shots on goal.

The Stanley Cup playoffs continue as the Edmonton Oilers prepare to face the Florida Panthers in a pivotal Game 3. After splitting the first two games, with both teams achieving overtime victories, the matchup promises to be thrilling. Connor McDavid shines as the MVP option, boasting a remarkable point streak, while Leon Draisaitl also stands out with impressive performances. The game features a $60,000 salary cap and no positional limitations, which offers strategists a unique opportunity to build powerful lineups.

Evan Bouchard and Corey Perry are notable utility plays, alongside Carter Verhaeghe and Brad Marchand, all of whom have shown strong offensive capabilities in this series. The over/under line is set at 6.5 goals, indicating an expectation for a high-scoring affair. With both teams showing resilience, this game could tilt the series in favor of either the Oilers or Panthers.

As the NHL offseason approaches, attention shifts to the top restricted free agents who are set to negotiate new contracts. Leading the list is Evan Bouchard of the Edmonton Oilers, whose solid playoff performance may bolster his asking price, potentially reaching $10 million annually despite a dip in regular-season points. Luke Hughes and Noah Dobson are also in the spotlight, with Hughes possibly securing a bridge deal around $5 million and Dobson eyeing an eight-year contract worth around $8 million per season.

Younger players like Matthew Knies of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Gabriel Vilardi from the Winnipeg Jets are expected to seek long-term contracts as well, hinting at a wave of contract negotiations that could reshape team dynamics. Meanwhile, K'Andre Miller of the New York Rangers faces cap constraints that may complicate his contract discussions, as the team looks to balance their budget while retaining key players.

In a disappointing Game 4, the Dallas Stars fell to the Edmonton Oilers 4-1, putting them in a perilous 3-1 series deficit. Dallas struggled to maintain an early lead, allowing Edmonton to regain control quickly. The fanbase's discontent grew over a controversial play involving Roope Hintz, who returned from injury only to endure another hit on his previously injured foot from Evan Bouchard, which went unpenalized. This incident sparked outrage among fans, highlighting concerns about the team's toughness and strategic decisions during critical moments.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins showcased his playmaking prowess, assisting on all three of the Edmonton Oilers' goals in a commanding 4-1 victory over the Dallas Stars. His contributions not only set the tone early with a pass to Evan Bouchard but also supported Connor McDavid and Zach Hyman later in the game. With seven points in three playoff games, Nugent-Hopkins has solidified his role as a versatile asset for the Oilers, drawing praise from teammates and coaches alike.

McDavid referred to him as the team’s “Swiss Army Knife,” while coach Kris Knoblauch emphasized his value for being adaptable. The 32-year-old is making a remarkable comeback, proving crucial for the Oilers as they aim for a deep playoff run. His ability to contribute on both offense and defense enhances Edmonton's chances significantly as they navigate this postseason.