It has all come down to this. After the Florida Panthers opened up a 3-0 lead on the Edmonton Oilers in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, many believed the series to be all but over. Then Connor McDavid and his friends outscored the Panthers by a combined score of 18-5 en route to tying the series up at three games apiece, becoming just the third team in NHL history to do so in the Stanley Cup Final.
The Panthers had been an afterthought for most of their franchise’s history, with just one Stanley Cup Final appearance in 1996. However, GM Bill Zito has transformed the team into a top-tier contender, with a President’s Trophy win and a strong showing in this year’s playoffs. For the Panthers, this is a chance to cement their place in history and show that they belong among the elite teams in the NHL.
On the other hand, for the Oilers, this game is about legacy. Edmonton has a storied history of success, with five Stanley Cups in seven seasons. Winning this Cup would not only add to their legacy but also prove that the decisions made by the front office and coaching staff were correct. This is a chance for the Oilers to return to the pinnacle of the NHL and solidify their place among the league’s great teams.
Key players to watch for the Panthers include Sergei Bobrovsky, Carter Verhaeghe, and Gustav Forsling. Bobrovsky, a two-time Vezina Trophy winner, will need to be at the top of his game to help the Panthers secure a win. Verhaeghe and Forsling will also be crucial in providing offensive and defensive support for the team.
For the Oilers, Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Zach Hyman will be players to watch. McDavid, the game’s best player, will need to lead the team offensively, while Draisaitl and Hyman will also play key roles in securing a victory for Edmonton.
In terms of predictions, the final score could go either way. Some predict a close victory for the Oilers, while others believe the Panthers have what it takes to come out on top. Regardless of the outcome, this Game 7 is sure to be a thrilling conclusion to an already dramatic Stanley Cup Final.
In terms of Game 7 history, the Oilers have a strong track record in playoff Game 7s, while the Panthers are looking to make history by winning their first Stanley Cup title. The game is sure to be a tense and exciting affair, with both teams giving it their all to come out on top.