Edmonton Oilers' Historic Comeback Attempt
As the Edmonton Oilers gear up for what could be a historic Game 7 in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, they stand on the cusp of becoming only the second NHL team to overturn a 3-0 series deficit and win the Stanley Cup. Their decisive clash against the Florida Panthers on Monday will be watched closely by hockey fans around the world. The 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs were the last and only team to achieve such a feat, doing so against the Detroit Red Wings.
Edmonton's Recent Dominance
With a regular-season record of 49-27-6, the Oilers have shown remarkable resilience and skill, particularly over the past three games where they have significantly outplayed the Panthers. Outscoring Florida 18-5 over this stretch, Edmonton's resurgence fortifies their quest for their first Stanley Cup since the 1989-1990 season. Entering this critical encounter, the Oilers carry the momentum of their dominant recent form, making them a formidable opponent.
Panthers' Quest for Their First Title
On the other side of the ice, the Florida Panthers are determined to clinch their inaugural Stanley Cup title. Ending the regular season with an impressive 52-24-6 record, the Panthers have shown they are a powerhouse in their own right. Last year's disappointment—a five-game loss to the Vegas Golden Knights in the Stanley Cup Final—continues to fuel their hunger for victory. Game 7 will be held at the Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida, where the Panthers will be looking to capitalize on their home-ice advantage and rewrite franchise history.
With the opening faceoff scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, the odds slightly favor the Panthers, who are 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 those keeping a close eye on the betting lines, the money line lists Edmonton at -107 and Florida at -113. Additionally, the puck line has Florida at -1.5 (+225). Betting enthusiasts should note 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 scored the team's lone goal, bringing his contributions in this series to two goals and three assists. Throughout the postseason, he has compiled eight goals and 14 assists over 23 playoff games, 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. He 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, with 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 notably 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 tallied 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.