The 2024 Stanley Cup finals couldn't host two better teams. This is the third trip for the Panthers and a well deserved trip for the Oilers who knocked of two Division Champions enroute to the Cup Finals. Florida is playing back to back, after losing to Vegas in 2023, while this is Edmonton's first finals apperance since 2006.
The Oilers arguably have one of the best offensive squads in the league with the likes of McDavid, Draisaitl, Nugent-Hopkins, Kane and Hyman. Over the years Edmonton has shown inconsistent goaltending and an average defensive unit. Although, this year, their defense has improved imensely. Skinner is not my first choice for a goal keeper, but he has turned some heads coming up with big saves, particulary in Game 6 against Dallas.
I can't find any fault in the Panthers offense or defense, the depth they have is immeasurable. With the likes of Verhaeghe, Tkachuk, Barkov and Bobrovsky providing superb goaltending, their a force to be reckoned with. Florida has the ability to score quickly and open up a 2-3 goal lead. They can also shut down the defensive zone and win games in a goaltending battle.
Experience in playoff hockey gives any team the advantage. When you look back at previous Stanley Cup winners, it typically takes several trips to the finals before hoisting the Cup.
These two clubs have met twice this year with Florida winning both, 11/20/23 5-3 at home and 12/16/23 5-1 in Edmonton with with Bobrovsky turning away 38 shots in the 5-1 win. Skinner has yet to play against the Panthers, Pickard was in net for both games. So it's yet to be seen what were in store for.
Special teams play a pivotal role in the playoffs, whether it's the penalty kill or power play will be a factor throughout the series. The Oilers have the best PP unit in the league. I can't count how many times that Hyman, (Edmonton's top goal scorer in these playoffs) has been in or near the faceoff circle on the glove side of the goalkeeper and scores. Edmonton has converted an incredible 37.3% of their PP chances, higher than their 26.3% from the regular season.
Florida has an elite penalty kill squad and has successfully killed 88.2% of the power plays it's given up. But, and there's always a but, no team has taken as many infractions as Florida with over 200 minutes entering the Stanley Cup Final.
A must do for the Panthers is staying out of the penalty box, giving the Oilers to many opportunities on the PP is like playing with a lit match and a box of TNT. Remember game 6 Vs. Dallas, two penalties, two goals.
As a Canuck, there is nothing more I'd like to see than Edmonton bringing the Cup home. The last Canadian team to do so was the 1993 Montreal Canadians. As far as a Canadian team last making it to the Cup finals was also Montreal in 2021. With only seven Canadian teams in the league, the odds will always be stacked against them.
I'm taking the Florida Panthers to win the Stanley Cup in six games. When I was looking at the schedule, the Panthers will look to wrap it up in Five so they can hoist the Cup in front of their hometown fans, there is no better feeling. At worst, if this series goes seven, at least they will be back at home.