Edmonton Oilers' Comeback Attempt: One for the History Books
The Edmonton Oilers are on the verge of achieving a monumental feat in NHL history. They aim to become only the second team to overturn a 3-0 series deficit and win the Stanley Cup. Their decisive Game 7 showdown will be against the Florida Panthers in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final on Monday.
With the last team to accomplish this feat being the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs, who triumphed over the Detroit Red Wings, the Oilers are on the brink of making history. The anticipation is palpable as they prepare for this critical encounter.
Edmonton's Recent Dominance
The Oilers, boasting a regular season record of 49-27-6, have shown significant dominance in the last three games, outscoring the Panthers 18-5. This resurgence has bolstered their confidence and quest to capture their first Stanley Cup since the 1989-1990 season. As the team gears up for Game 7, they carry the momentum of their recent dominant form.
Panthers' Quest for Their First Title
On the other end of the ice, the Florida Panthers finished the regular season with an impressive 52-24-6 record and are striving for their inaugural Stanley Cup title. Their hunger for victory is intense, especially after last year's disappointing five-game loss to the Vegas Golden Knights in the Stanley Cup Final. With the home advantage in Game 7 at the Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida, the Panthers are keen to capitalize and rewrite their franchise history.
Fans can expect an electric atmosphere when the puck drops at 8 p.m. ET. The Panthers are slightly favored as the -113 favorites, with the over/under for total goals scored set at 5.5, reflecting the high stakes and intensity of the game.
Key Betting Lines
For betting enthusiasts, the money line has Edmonton at -107 and Florida at -113. Additionally, the puck line sees Florida at -1.5 (+225). An interesting trend 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 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. 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, he 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, who 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 for the Oilers 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.