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How the Oilers Can Make History by Defeating the Panthers at Their Own Game
  • 2024 Stanley Cup Final - Oilers vs. Panthers, Analysis
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    How the Oilers Can Make History by Defeating the Panthers at Their Own Game

    Although the Edmonton Oilers still face long odds of winning the Stanley Cup, their 8-1 win against the Florida Panthers on Saturday injected some intrigue into the series. On Tuesday, the Oilers can become the fourth team in NHL history to force a Game 6 after going down 3-0 in the final. (The 2012 New Jersey Devils were the last team to do it before losing to the Los Angeles Kings in six games.) 

    The Oilers have taken a page out of the Panthers’ book over the past two games, and it could help them send the series back to Edmonton on Friday. 

    In Games 3 and 4, the Oilers generated 25 scoring chances off of turnovers, compared to just eight for the Panthers. Edmonton scored three goals within 10 seconds of a Florida turnover Saturday — Mattias Janmark’s shorthanded strike, Connor McDavid’s second-period tally and Ryan McLeod’s blast in garbage time. 

    “It’s patient defensive hockey,” Oilers forward Connor Brown told The Athletic. “It’s not forcing it. It’s almost a 0-0 mentality. Take what they give you instead of trying to just force it and get on the board. A lot of times when you play that way you end up scoring more. It’s kind of a paradox that way.”


    The Panthers rely heavily on turning takeaways into offence — Sam Bennett’s goal in the second period of Game 3 being a prime example. Prior to Game 4, Florida had outscored its playoff opponents 28-19 within 10 seconds of a turnover in all situations, including 4-1 against Edmonton. (At 5-on-5, the Panthers had a 17-13 edge in that department before McDavid and McLeod scored Saturday.)

    Florida’s carelessness with the puck helped awaken Edmonton’s attack. The Oilers generated 12 odd-man rushes Saturday — the most allowed by the Panthers this post-season — and scored on six of them. 

    “I think we needed to go through that experience (Saturday),” Panthers coach Paul Maurice told reporters Monday. “I mean, we would have traded our experience for a win, but then you have to embrace that learning.”

    The Panthers have not let losses pile up in the playoffs, going 4-1 in games following a loss and outscoring opponents 21-10. Sergei Bobrovsky, who was pulled Saturday after allowing five goals on 16 shots, has posted a 1.97 goals-against average and .914 save percentage in those games. 

    If the Oilers can continue pressuring the Panthers into mistakes, however, the trajectory of this series could change. 

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    The Edmonton Oilers have a chance to make history by defeating the Florida Panthers at their own game. The Panthers have been one of the top teams in the NHL this season, boasting a potent offense and solid defense. However, the Oilers have the talent and skill to take down the Panthers and make a statement in the league.

    One key to defeating the Panthers is shutting down their high-powered offense. The Panthers have a number of skilled forwards, including Aleksander Barkov, Jonathan Huberdeau, and Sam Bennett, who can score goals in bunches. The Oilers will need to play tight defense and limit the Panthers’ scoring chances in order to come out on top.

    Offensively, the Oilers have their own weapons to counter the Panthers’ attack. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are two of the top scorers in the league and can create scoring opportunities out of thin air. If the Oilers can capitalize on their offensive chances and put pressure on the Panthers’ defense, they will have a good chance of coming out on top.

    In addition to their offensive and defensive play, the Oilers will need strong goaltending to defeat the Panthers. Mike Smith has been solid in net for the Oilers this season, but he will need to be at the top of his game to shut down the Panthers’ potent offense.

    Overall, the Oilers have the talent and skill to defeat the Panthers at their own game. By playing strong defense, capitalizing on offensive chances, and getting solid goaltending, the Oilers can make history by taking down one of the top teams in the league. It won’t be easy, but with determination and skill, the Oilers have a good chance of coming out on top and making a statement in the NHL.