Edmonton Oilers vs. Florida Panthers: A Historic Showdown
The Edmonton Oilers had the Florida Panthers on the ropes entering Game 7 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final. Despite dropping three consecutive games to set up a winner-take-all final contest, the Panthers were able to outlast the Oilers, 2-1, in Game 7 to win the first Stanley Cup in franchise history.
The Panthers, who at one point held a commanding 3-0 series lead, had initially flustered the Oilers from an offensive standpoint. While the Oilers launched a remarkable comeback, winning three consecutive games thanks to the heroic performance of Connor McDavid, they ultimately fell short in the final game.
Connor McDavid's Heroics
Connor McDavid was instrumental in the Oilers' resurgence in the series. Over Games 3 to 5, McDavid tallied an astounding three goals and seven assists, almost singlehandedly dragging the Oilers back into contention. Despite this, the Panthers proved to be the better team down the stretch in Game 7, showcasing airtight defense that had been their hallmark throughout the series.
Florida's Defensive Masterclass
Much like in the first three games of the Stanley Cup Final, Florida's defense was suffocating in Game 7. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky delivered an exceptional performance, stopping 23 of the 24 shots he faced, a far cry from the 12 goals he had surrendered over the previous three games. His stellar goaltending was pivotal in securing the Panthers' 2-1 victory and their first Stanley Cup.
Connor McDavid Wins Conn Smythe Trophy
Despite falling short of clinching the Stanley Cup, Connor McDavid's outstanding performance throughout the playoffs did not go unrecognized. McDavid was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the NHL playoff MVP, having tallied the fourth-most points (42) in a single postseason. This achievement made him only the sixth player from a losing team to win the Conn Smythe Trophy and just the second skater to earn the honor, joining Reggie Leach (1976).
The Journey to Game 7
The journey to the Stanley Cup Final was a testament to the skill and resilience of both teams. Below is a summary of the nail-biting games and results that led to their ultimate showdown:
Stanley Cup Final
- Game 1: Panthers 3, Oilers 0
- Game 2: Panthers 2, Oilers 1
- Game 3: Panthers 4, Oilers 3
- Game 4: Oilers 8, Panthers 1
- Game 5: Oilers 5, Panthers 3
- Game 6: Oilers 5, Panthers 1
- Game 7: Panthers 2, Oilers 1
The Eastern Conference Final
The Panthers faced off against the New York Rangers in a thrilling series:
- Game 1: Panthers 3, Rangers 0
- Game 2: Rangers 2, Panthers 1 (OT)
- Game 3: Rangers 5, Panthers 4 (OT)
- Game 4: Panthers 3, Rangers 2 (OT)
- Game 5: Panthers 3, Rangers 2
- Game 6: Panthers 2, Rangers 1
Western Conference Final
The Oilers had their hands full with the Dallas Stars:
- Game 1: Oilers 3, Stars 2 (2OT)
- Game 2: Stars 3, Oilers 1
- Game 3: Stars 5, Oilers 3
- Game 4: Oilers 5, Stars 2
- Game 5: Oilers 3, Stars 1
- Game 6: Oilers 2, Stars 1
Second Round Highlights
The path to the Finals was paved with intense second-round matchups in both conferences:
Eastern Conference
- (1) New York Rangers vs. (2) Carolina Hurricanes
- Game 1: Rangers 4, Hurricanes 3
- Game 2: Rangers 4, Hurricanes 3 (2OT)
- Game 3: Rangers 3, Hurricanes 2 (OT)
- Game 4: Hurricanes 4, Rangers 3
- Game 5: Hurricanes 4, Rangers 1
- Game 6: Rangers 5, Hurricanes 3
- (1) Florida Panthers vs. (2) Boston Bruins
- Game 1: Bruins 5, Panthers 1
- Game 2: Panthers 6, Bruins 1
- Game 3: Panthers 6, Bruins 2
- Game 4: Panthers 3, Bruins 2
- Game 5: Bruins 2, Panthers 1
- Game 6: Panthers 2, Bruins 1
Western Conference
- (1) Dallas Stars vs. (3) Colorado Avalanche
- Game 1: Avalanche 4, Stars 3 (OT)
- Game 2: Stars 5, Avalanche 3
- Game 3: Stars 4, Avalanche 1
- Game 4: Stars 5, Avalanche 1
- Game 5: Avalanche 5, Stars 3
- Game 6: Stars 2, Avalanche 1 (2OT)
- (1) Vancouver Canucks vs. (2) Edmonton Oilers
- Game 1: Canucks 5, Oilers 4
- Game 2: Oilers 4, Canucks 3 (OT)
- Game 3: Canucks 4, Oilers 3
- Game 4: Oilers 3, Canucks 2
- Game 5: Canucks 3, Oilers 2
- Game 6: Oilers 5, Canucks 1
- Game 7: Oilers 3, Canucks 2
The 2024 Stanley Cup Final will be remembered for the determination and resilience displayed by both teams. While the Edmonton Oilers showcased incredible perseverance, the Florida Panthers ultimately emerged victorious, etching their names into hockey history with their first-ever Stanley Cup win.