Stanley Cup Game 7: Florida Panthers vs. Edmonton Oilers – A Battle for History
It all comes 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. But Connor McDavid and his friends had other plans. Outscoring the Panthers by a combined score of 18-5, they tied the series at three games apiece, becoming just the third team in NHL history to do so in the Stanley Cup Final. Now, the stage is set for a historic Game 7. Will the Oilers pull off the historic reverse sweep? Can the Panthers avoid ignominy? Here’s everything you need to know before puck drop tonight, including what’s at stake for each team, key players to watch, and advanced matchup metrics from ESPN Stats & Information.
Florida Panthers: A Chance to Rewrite History
The Panthers have been afterthoughts for most of the franchise’s history. Florida lost in the 1996 Stanley Cup Final and made just four playoff appearances—without winning a round—through the next 23 years. The team players once joined at the end of their careers for the temperate climate rather than the potential to win has now become a top-tier contender under GM Bill Zito. Zito’s bold moves, such as trading Jonathan Huberdeau for Matthew Tkachuk and acquiring players like Gustav Forsling and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, have paid off. If last year’s run to the Final was a fluke, this year’s berth is anything but. The Panthers were supposed to be this good.
Losing the opportunity to be Cup champions after holding a 3-0 lead would be devastating for Florida. The Panthers have the chance to write a historic chapter that seemed impossible just five years ago. The question now is: Are they ready for it?
Edmonton Oilers: A Legacy on the Line
The Oilers haven’t just won five Stanley Cups—they won five in seven seasons, with some of the greatest players of all time, including Wayne Gretzky. Winning this Stanley Cup not only adds to their legacy but enhances it even more. The Oilers have gone from being the standard to being in the cellar and are now a win away from returning to the pinnacle. This Game 7 is a chance to pull off what would be the greatest comeback in NHL history, and possibly in North American professional sports.
The more sobering truth is that this could be the Oilers’ best and possibly only chance to win a Stanley Cup with Leon Draisaitl and McDavid. Edmonton has gone through front office, coaching, and personnel changes to do everything possible to win with their generational talents. Winning Game 7 and the Stanley Cup would validate all those decisions.
Key Players to Watch
For the Panthers:
- Sergei Bobrovsky: The two-time Vezina Trophy winner needs to be at his best to avoid being part of one of the biggest collapses in sports history.
- Carter Verhaeghe: With a minus-11 through the past four games and just one assist since the series opener, Verhaeghe needs to turn his performance around.
- Gustav Forsling: Forsling’s performance will be crucial in shutting down McDavid and the Oilers’ offense.
- Sam Reinhart: With only one goal and two assists in the series, Reinhart needs to step up his game.
- Matthew Tkachuk: Tkachuk has the chance to have a superstar moment and lead his team to victory.
For the Oilers:
- Connor McDavid: The game’s best player needs to deliver another multipoint performance to help secure the win.
- Leon Draisaitl: Draisaitl’s contributions, even if hobbled, will be key in sealing the deal for Edmonton.
- Zach Hyman: Hyman’s timely goals and consistent performance will be vital for the Oilers.
- Stuart Skinner: The goalie has been a revelation in the postseason and will need to continue his strong performance.
Historical Context and Betting Odds
The last time the Stanley Cup Final was decided in 7 games was in 2019, when the St. Louis Blues defeated the Boston Bruins. The home team is 7-2 in the past 9 Stanley Cup Final Game 7s dating back to 1971. The Under has cashed at an 8-0-1 pace in the past 9 Game 7s in a Stanley Cup Final, with 5 or fewer goals in 14 consecutive Game 7s. The odds are tight, with both teams at -110 on the moneyline.
Final Thoughts
The Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers meet tonight for the decisive Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. Puck drop from Amerant Bank Arena is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Will Connor McDavid lead his team to a historic comeback, or will the Florida Panthers claim their first Stanley Cup? Both teams have worked hard to reach this point, and tonight’s game promises to be an unforgettable showdown. Get ready for an epic battle on the ice!
FAQs:
1. What time does Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final start?
- Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers starts at 8 p.m. ET at Amerant Bank Arena.
2. Who are the key players to watch in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final?
- For the Panthers, key players include Sergei Bobrovsky, Carter Verhaeghe, and Matthew Tkachuk. For the Oilers, keep an eye on Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Stuart Skinner.
3. How can I watch Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final?
- You can watch Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final on ABC and ESPN+, with coverage starting at 8 p.m. ET.
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