In a historic moment in sports broadcasting, Game 7 of the NHL Stanley Cup finals between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers broke viewership records. The series showdown captivated a massive audience and set new benchmarks for non-Original Six team matchups. With impressive numbers across various demographics, this game has become a significant milestone in NHL history.
Edmonton seemed to be a freed team when it came into Game 4 and just went out and played. Nobody expected anything from the Oil in that game, and they played their best hockey of the series. Now they have expectations and something to lose. The Oilers are so close to making the most of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, and they might never get this close again.
Florida still has two shots at this, and Edmonton has to be perfect again. For another, the Panthers turned the tables in Game 5. Much like Edmonton used Game 3’s third period as a springboard to Game 4, Florida has the chance to do it in Game 6.Â
The Panthers have the home crowd on their side, and they have every incentive to bury the Oilers right now. A loss means Florida has to head back to Alberta and face the Oilers, with Edmonton having new life in the series. There will be no rationalizing in this game; the Panthers will be a desperate team.
Could we see our first sweep in a Stanley Cup Finals since 1998? It’s looking that way, given how Florida has seized control in this series. The Panthers continue to play a step ahead of the Oilers and have forced Edmonton to play their game, even as the Oilers got second change.
It’s only Game 3, but it feels like this game is do-or-die for Edmonton. The Oilers did get some good news when the Panthers’ plane got delayed, but that’s about all they have going for them in this series.
These Panthers understand that cheap penalties are suicidal against Edmonton. When this team takes a penalty, it’s for a purpose to prevent a scoring opportunity. And if the Oilers can’t find space and can’t break through the Florida penalty kill, this series isn’t going to take long.
Unfortunately for the Rangers, the issues they showed in the Carolina series have shown up here. New York looks tired and is facing an opponent that can match Igor Shesterkin. The Hurricanes ran out of games; the Panthers obviously won’t have that problem.
Edmonton came up with its best showing of the series so far. The Oil basically flipped Game 3 on its head, overcoming a two-goal deficit to win going away with five unanswered. That’s what Edmonton can do at its best, and seeing it happen should be a confidence boost.