Edmonton Oilers' Comeback Attempt
As the Edmonton Oilers gear up for a decisive Game 7 clash against the Florida Panthers in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, they stand on the brink of making history. Should they overturn a 3-0 series deficit, they will become only the second team in NHL history to achieve such a feat, following in the footsteps of the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs who overcame the Detroit Red Wings.
The Oilers head into this crucial encounter with the momentum of their recent dominant performances, having significantly outplayed the Panthers over the past three games. With an impressive regular season record of 49-27-6, Edmonton has outscored Florida 18-5 in their last three meetings, a resurgence that has bolstered their quest for their first Stanley Cup since the 1989-1990 season.
Panthers' Quest for Their First Title
On the other hand, the Florida Panthers, who finished the regular season with a strong 52-24-6 record, are determined to capture their inaugural Stanley Cup title. This hunger is evident, especially after last year's disappointing performance in the Stanley Cup Final, where they lost in five games to the Vegas Golden Knights. The Panthers will be looking to capitalize on their home advantage in Game 7 at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida.
The matchup, set for 8 p.m. ET, has the Panthers as slight favorites with odds at -113. The over/under for total goals scored is set at 5.5, reflecting the high stakes and anticipated intensity of the game.
Key Betting Lines
For betting enthusiasts, the money line positions Edmonton at -107 and Florida at -113, with the puck line showing Florida at -1.5 (+225). An interesting statistic for bettors is that the Oilers have hit the game total under in 28 of their last 43 away games, yielding +13.20 units. Meanwhile, the Panthers have achieved the game total under in 55 of their last 90 games, accumulating +21.55 units.
Why You Should Back the Panthers
Center Aleksander Barkov remains a pivotal player for the Panthers. Despite Florida's 5-1 loss in Game 6, Barkov managed to score the team's lone goal. Throughout this series, he has contributed two goals and three assists, making him the Panthers' top scorer this postseason. In 23 playoff games, Barkov has compiled eight goals and 14 assists, tying him for the team-high 22 points. During the regular season, Barkov recorded 23 goals and 57 assists in 73 games, underscoring his offensive prowess.
Another key player for the Panthers is Matthew Tkachuk. He leads the team with 16 assists and 22 points in 23 postseason games. Tkachuk had a goal and an assist in Game 5, followed by an assist in Game 3's 4-3 victory. His contributions were crucial during the Panthers' Eastern Conference Finals win against the New York Rangers, where he scored a goal and added four assists. Tkachuk also stood out in the opening-round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning with three goals and six assists, including a two-goal performance in Game 3.
Why You Should Back the Oilers
On the Oilers' side, center Connor McDavid has been driving Edmonton's offensive machine. Through 24 postseason games, McDavid has amassed 42 points, including eight goals and 34 assists. His performance in Game 5 was stellar, registering two goals and two assists, following a three-assist game in the preceding 8-1 victory in Game 4. McDavid's influence was critical in the Western Conference Finals against the Dallas Stars, where he scored a goal and added an assist in the conclusive Game 6 victory.
Another significant contributor to the Oilers' success is center Leon Draisaitl. The 28-year-old has recorded 10 goals and 21 assists during the playoffs. His impact was especially felt in the Western Conference Finals against Dallas, where he notched two goals and two assists. Draisaitl also shone in the second-round series against Vancouver, finishing with three goals and nine assists. During the regular season, he was outstanding, tallying 106 points with 41 goals and 65 assists over 81 games.
As the clock ticks down to the opening faceoff, both the Oilers and Panthers are poised for what promises to be a thrilling and historic Game 7. The stakes couldn't be higher, and fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating a game that could go down in the annals of NHL history.