Panthers to Face Off Against Oilers in Game 7 for Last Chance to Clinch the Stanley Cup: Here’s What to Know

A perk of being the captain of an NHL team is this: If your team wins a championship, you get perhaps the ultimate honor in the sport. You get to be the player who accepts the Stanley Cup on the ice after the game.

A Clash of Titans: McDavid vs. Barkov

Will it be Connor McDavid on behalf of the Edmonton Oilers, seeking their sixth title but first since 1990? Or will it be Aleksander Barkov on behalf of the Florida Panthers, seeking the first title in franchise history? The answer comes Monday night, when the Oilers and Panthers play Game 7 of a Stanley Cup Final that was all Florida at the start, all Edmonton ever since, and now one last game will decide everything.

Game 7: Not Your Ordinary Match

“Obviously, it’s not your ordinary game,” said McDavid, who is generally considered the best player in hockey right now and is likely the favorite to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as MVP of the playoffs. “Everybody understands that. But you’ve got to make it as ordinary as possible in your head.”

It will not be an ordinary game. It’s Game 7, the last game of the season and the capper of a series that has been bonkers; Florida won the first three games, then Edmonton won the next three games — all of them handily, too — to keep staving off elimination.

Florida’s Historic Challenge

Florida is trying to avoid becoming the second team in NHL history to take a 3-0 lead in the title series and not win the Stanley Cup; Detroit wasted such a lead against Toronto in 1942. This feat alone adds an extra layer of pressure on the Panthers, making this Game 7 even more intense.

Edmonton’s National Significance

Edmonton is trying to become the first team based in Canada to win the Cup since 1993, an issue of such national importance north of the border that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote, “All of Canada’s behind you. Let’s bring the Cup home,” to the Oilers on social media as the series was getting underway. This represents the longest drought for Canada in Cup history and adds immense national pride and pressure on the Oilers.

The Battle of Wills: Players to Watch

“We won three, they won three,” Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk said. “Both teams have an opportunity. … Very exciting. Kind of leave-it-all-out-there, desperation on both sides. It all comes down to this.”

When the game ends, the Cup will be brought to the ice. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman will say a few words, then present it to the winning captain before he skates away to start the celebration with the newly crowned champions.

McDavid vs. Barkov: Who Will Lift the Cup?

Will it be McDavid? Will it be Barkov? The moment they have dreamed about since they started putting on skates as little kids is here, and only one of them will capture it on Monday night.

“It comes down to this last one,” Panthers defenseman Brandon Montour said, “and it’s going to be a fun one.”

The Road to Game 7: A Series Recap

The series began with Florida dominating the first three games, showcasing their defensive prowess and offensive capabilities. Sergei Bobrovsky, the Panthers’ star goaltender, was a wall, and the team’s defensive line was unbreakable. The Oilers struggled to find their rhythm, and it seemed like Florida would sweep the series.

However, Edmonton bounced back fiercely. Led by McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and a rejuvenated defensive strategy, the Oilers clawed their way back into the series. They won the next three games in commanding fashion, each victory more decisive than the last. Edmonton’s offensive firepower was on full display, and their goaltending, led by Mike Smith, was impenetrable.

Key Matchups to Watch

Connor McDavid vs. Aleksander Barkov: Both captains have been pivotal to their teams’ successes. McDavid’s speed and scoring ability are unmatched, while Barkov’s two-way game makes him a constant threat on both ends of the ice.

Leon Draisaitl vs. Jonathan Huberdeau: Draisaitl’s offensive acumen and ability to find the back of the net will be a challenge for the Panthers. Huberdeau, on the other hand, has been a playmaking wizard, setting up key goals and making critical plays.

Mike Smith vs. Sergei Bobrovsky: The goaltending battle will be crucial. Smith’s experience and ability to make big saves under pressure contrast with Bobrovsky’s agility and sharp reflexes.

Coaching Strategies: A Chess Match on Ice

Jay Woodcroft of the Oilers and Andrew Brunette of the Panthers have both demonstrated exceptional coaching acumen. Woodcroft’s adjustments after the initial three losses showcased his strategic depth. Brunette’s ability to rally his team after setbacks will be tested to the fullest in Game 7.

The Final Showdown: What to Expect

Expect a high-intensity game filled with physical play, strategic battles, and heart-stopping moments. Both teams have shown resilience and determination, and this last game will be a testament to their willpower and skill.

Fan Impact: The Extra Player

Both fan bases have been incredible throughout the series. The atmosphere in the arenas has been electric, providing an extra boost to the players. The fans’ energy will be a critical factor in Game 7, as they cheer their teams towards what they hope will be victory.

Conclusion: A Historic Night Awaits

As the Oilers and Panthers gear up for the final battle, one thing is certain: this Game 7 will be remembered as one of the most thrilling and hard-fought contests in Stanley Cup history. Will Edmonton break Canada’s long-standing drought, or will Florida claim their first-ever championship? The anticipation is palpable, and the excitement is off the charts.

The stage is set for a historic showdown. Who will emerge victorious and etch their names in the annals of NHL history? Tune in Monday night to find out.