Edmonton Oilers' Comeback Attempt
The Edmonton Oilers are on the brink of achieving a remarkable comeback, potentially becoming only the second team in NHL history to overturn a 3-0 series deficit and win the Stanley Cup. Their decisive Game 7 clash against the Florida Panthers in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final on Monday could mark a new chapter in NHL lore if they triumph.
The last team to accomplish this extraordinary feat was the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs, who overcame the Detroit Red Wings. Now, the Oilers stand at the threshold of history, aiming to emulate that legendary comeback.
Edmonton's Recent Dominance
The Oilers, boasting a regular-season record of 49-27-6, have displayed significant superiority over the Panthers in the past three games, outscoring them 18-5. This resurgent performance has fueled their pursuit of capturing the Stanley Cup for the first time since the 1989-1990 season. As the team prepares for this crucial encounter, they carry the momentum of their dominant form into Game 7.
Panthers' Quest for Their First Title
Standing in stark contrast are the Florida Panthers, who finished the regular season with an impressive record of 52-24-6. They are determined to secure their inaugural Stanley Cup title, especially after last year's disappointing five-game loss to the Vegas Golden Knights in the Stanley Cup Final. With the advantage of playing Game 7 at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida, the Panthers seek to capitalize on their home turf and make franchise history.
The opening faceoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, with odds slightly favoring the Panthers as the -113 favorites. The over/under for total goals scored is set at 5.5, reflecting the high stakes and anticipated intensity of the match.
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). It's worth noting 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
Central to the Panthers' cause is center Aleksander Barkov. Despite Florida's 5-1 loss in Game 6, Barkov scored the team’s lone goal and has been a key player throughout the series, tallying two goals and three assists. Barkov stands as the Panthers' top scorer this postseason with eight goals and 14 assists over 23 playoff games, tying for the team-high 22 points. During the regular season, he underscored his offensive prowess with 23 goals and 57 assists in 73 games.
Another significant player for the Panthers is Matthew Tkachuk. He leads the team with 16 assists and 22 points in 23 postseason games. Tkachuk contributed a goal and an assist in Game 5, followed by an assist in Game 3’s 4-3 victory. His impact was critical to the Panthers' success in the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Rangers, where he scored a goal and added four assists. Tkachuk also made his presence felt 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 a driving force for Edmonton's offensive juggernaut. In 24 postseason games, McDavid has amassed 42 points, including eight goals and 34 assists. His stellar performance in Game 5, where he recorded two goals and two assists, followed a three-assist game in Game 4’s 8-1 victory. McDavid’s influence was also crucial in the Western Conference Finals against the Dallas Stars, where he scored a goal and added an assist in the decisive Game 6 victory.
Another vital contributor for the Oilers is center Leon Draisaitl. The 28-year-old has accumulated 10 goals and 21 assists during the playoffs. His impact was especially pronounced 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.