Sunrise, Fla. (AP) – Following the Florida Panthers’ victory over the Edmonton Oilers, they have placed themselves in a favorable position in the Stanley Cup finals With a goal in Game 7. Their single win during the regular season was not that far apart From these two NHL giants. We are witnessing a rematch of the Championship Series.
This final has been incredibly tight through the first two games. Both teams secured one win in overtime, and minor incidents such as hitting the post or a puck slipping into the net could have altered the series’ trajectory. As we approach Game 3, there’s a strong likelihood that some lucky bounces and slight adjustments could shift the balance.
“It’s a heavyweight battle of punches,” remarked a veteran Oilers player after practice on Sunday. “Every single shift holds immense importance as it can lead to 1-0 or 2-1 scorelines. Mistakes can either cost you dearly or yield significant benefits, creating high pressure—which can be pivotal.”
This final stands apart from previous matchups, with no underdogs unexpected to advance this far, allowing the foes to be quite familiar with each other Given the teams’ deep capabilities. It has transformed into an exhibition of quality hockey with impressive goals, combined with solid defensive play and goaltending emerging as stars themselves.
“You see increased action because everything is being contested on the ice, and it’s undeniably intense, but how fantastic it is to say that during the finals,” shared Panthers coach Paul Maurice after the team’s optional practice in Fort Lauderdale. “Both teams are excelling defensively. They’re blocking shots, fighting for the puck, back-checking, all while maintaining an eventful game. That showcases high-end skill.”
This high-end skill is evident on the ice. Conor McDavid, the playoff MVP from three leagues, leads all scorers with five points. Longtime Edmonton teammate Leon Draisaitl matched Florida’s Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand with three goals.
Game 1 ended with a 4-3 score in overtime, while Game 2 saw a final of 5-4 after double overtime. The Oilers recorded 92 shots to the Panthers’ 74, with Florida controlling the ice for just over 67 minutes compared to their opponents’ nearly 28 minutes.
The regulations have been tightly contested, and offensive players acknowledge that there is minimal space to operate.
“It’s extremely challenging,” said Marchand, who secured the Game 2 victory at 8:04 in the second overtime. “You cannot afford to make mistakes. Each time you slip up, they seem poised to capitalize on it. And our lineup is remarkably balanced, which makes it very tight. The game speaks for itself—it’s a fierce battle.”
Similar to Maurice after the loss in Game 1, Oilers coach Chris Knoblauch made adjustments on the road to address matchup issues. He observed his defensive pair and introduced Darnell Nurse, Matthias Ekholm, and John Klingberg along with Jake Walman and Brett Kulak.
“We’ll keep adapting to compete with teams that are performing well,” Knoblauch stated. “Thankfully, our players are receptive to the changes we’ve implemented, considering how much we’ve varied the pairs and lines throughout the season. In Games 1 and 2, there were already adjustments made for the remainder of the series.”
The push and pull of the game are eye-catching. Focusing on just one period or a few shifts could easily give the impression that one team is dominating.
“Both teams have moments where they seem to control the game, but that doesn’t last. It just doesn’t last,” Maurice said. “The contest is so evenly matched that watching the footage, you could count 15 goals for the Edmonton Oilers alone.”
Maurice argues that the emotional highs and lows are not as profound as they may seem to outsiders. He wasn’t as devastated after the Game 1 loss, nor euphoric after the Game 2 win.
His players are accustomed to these emotional waves After losing to Vegas in the finals in 2023 and bouncing back from a 3-0 series lead to win in seven games a year ago.
“It’s all about staying present in the moment,” shared Panthers winger Sam Reinhart. “You cannot project too far ahead, nor dwell too long on the past.”
Draisaitl, who scored the goal in Game 1 OT, admitted that it can be tough mentally following a tough outcome. Nevertheless, he and his teammates, along with their counterparts across the ice, understand that with such razor-thin margins, excessive dwelling isn’t an option.
“Both teams are exceptionally strong,” Draisaitl noted. “It’s crucial to focus on the details and recognize that every little bounce matters.”
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Source: apnews.com