Edmonton Oilers' Epic Comeback Attempt
The Edmonton Oilers are on the verge of making NHL history as they attempt a monumental comeback. They stand just one game away from potentially becoming only the second team in NHL history to overturn a 3-0 series deficit and win the Stanley Cup. The last team to achieve this feat was the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs, who triumphed over the Detroit Red Wings.
Come Monday, the Oilers will face off against the Florida Panthers in a decisive Game 7 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Finals. This game will determine whether Edmonton can secure their first Stanley Cup since the 1989-1990 season.
Edmonton's Dominant Performance
The Oilers have been on a roll recently, significantly outperforming the Panthers over the last three games. Edmonton, boasting a regular season record of 49-27-6, has managed to outscore Florida 18-5 in these matchups. This dominant form has given the team substantial momentum heading into this critical encounter.
Florida Panthers' Quest for Their First Title
On the other side of the rink, the Florida Panthers, who concluded the regular season with an impressive 52-24-6 record, are just as determined for victory. They are eyeing their first-ever Stanley Cup title. The sting of last year's disappointing five-game loss to the Vegas Golden Knights in the Stanley Cup Final still lingers, fueling their hunger for redemption.
With the home advantage for Game 7 at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida, the Panthers will be looking to capitalize on their familiar surroundings to rewrite their franchise history. The game is scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. ET, and despite recent performances, the odds are slightly in favor of the Panthers, who are the -113 favorites.
Betting Lines Overview
For those paying close attention to betting lines, the money line has Edmonton at -107 and Florida at -113. Additionally, the puck line sees Florida at -1.5 (+225). For context, the game total under for the Oilers has hit in 28 of their last 43 away games, yielding +13.20 units. Meanwhile, the Panthers have hit the game total under in 55 of their last 90 games, garnering +21.55 units.
Why You Should Back the Panthers
Center Aleksander Barkov remains a pivotal player for the Panthers. Even though Florida suffered a 5-1 loss in Game 6, Barkov managed to score the team’s lone goal. Over the series, he has tallied two goals and three assists, making him the Panthers' top scorer this postseason. His overall playoff stats are equally impressive, with eight goals and 14 assists over 23 games, tying him for the team-high in points.
Another asset for the Panthers is Matthew Tkachuk, who leads the team with 16 assists and 22 points in 23 postseason games. Tkachuk's recent performances have been crucial for the Panthers, including a goal and an assist in Game 5 and an additional assist in their Game 3 4-3 victory. His contributions were vital during the Panthers' Eastern Conference Finals win against the New York Rangers, where he netted a goal and added four assists.
Why You Should Back the Oilers
On the Oilers' side, center Connor McDavid has been a driving force behind Edmonton's offensive machine. Through 24 postseason games, McDavid has amassed an astounding 42 points, comprising eight goals and 34 assists. His Game 5 performance was particularly stellar, as he recorded two goals and two assists, following a three-assist game in their commanding 8-1 victory in Game 4.
Another significant contributor for Edmonton is center Leon Draisaitl. The 28-year-old has accumulated 10 goals and 21 assists during the playoffs. His impact was profoundly 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 equally impressive, racking up 106 points with 41 goals and 65 assists over 81 games.
The Moment of Truth
As the clock ticks down to the opening face-off, 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.