The Edmonton Oilers aim to achieve a remarkable comeback, potentially becoming only the second NHL team to overturn a 3-0 series deficit and win the Stanley Cup. Their decisive Game 7 clash will be against the Florida Panthers in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final on Monday. With the last team to achieve this feat being the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs, who triumphed over the Detroit Red Wings, the Oilers are on the brink of making history.
Edmonton's Recent Dominance
Impressively, the Oilers, with a regular season record of 49-27-6, have outplayed the Panthers significantly over the past three games, outscoring them 18-5. This resurgence has bolstered their quest to capture their first Stanley Cup since the 1989-1990 season. As the team gears up for this critical encounter, they carry the momentum of this dominant form.
Panthers' Quest for Their First Title
On the opposing side, the Florida Panthers, who ended the regular season with a 52-24-6 record, are striving for their inaugural Stanley Cup title. Their hunger is evident, 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 Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida, the Panthers will be looking to capitalize and rewrite their franchise history.
Opening faceoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, and the odds slightly favor the Panthers, who are the -113 favorites. The over/under for total goals scored is set at 5.5, a figure reflecting the high stakes and anticipated intensity of the game.
Key Betting Lines
For those keeping a close eye on the betting lines, the money line has Edmonton at -107 and Florida at -113. Additionally, the puck line sees Florida at -1.5 (+225). For betting enthusiasts, it's noteworthy 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 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.