A year ago the Edmonton Oilers came into Florida not fully prepared for the largest stage that is the Stanley Cup Finals. The Panthers quickly went up 3-0 leaving the Oilers nearly dead to rights. To Edmonton's credit, they stormed back and ended up tying the series and forcing Game 7 where the Panthers ultimately came out on top.

This season the Oilers have said and done everything right to prove they are far more prepared for this moment. The Edmonton Oilers and Conner McDavid have a rare chance at redemption against the team that beat them a year ago. It's time for the Cup.

The Oilers and Panthers have both dominated the playoffs save for one series each. The Oilers toughest opponent in the playoffs came in the first round against the Kings before Edmonton really got their feet under them. Once that happened they won 4 straight. They beat the Golden Knights and Stars in 5 games apiece. The Panthers meanwhile beat the Lightning and Hurricanes in 5 while the Toronto Maple Leafs gave them their toughest matchup, forcing 7 games.

Both of these teams have excellent depth scoring throughout their lines in the post season. Edmonton has 19 different goal scorers and 12 different multi goal scorers. The Panthers have had 19 different goal scorers as well but have had 15 different multi goal producers. Perhaps the biggest difference has been how much the Panthers blueline has been able to produce. The Oilers have been excellent at keeping teams to the outside and preventing shots from the blueline so that will be something to watch.

For injuries we know that Zach Hyman will miss the entire series with a wrist injury but the Panthers are also banged up. While they will likely play we know Matt Tkachuck and Sam Reinhart are both playing hurt with Tkachuck in particular not looking like his normal self (but still has put up 16 points in 17 games).

This time the Oilers will be starting at home and will have home ice through these playoffs, the first time they will have had that in these playoffs. While Edmonton has been great throughout the playoffs they have been particularly strong at home. The first 10 minutes of this game could be huge for the Oilers.

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This should be a phenomenal series and I look forward to discussing it more in depth as we go.

Thanks for reading.

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