The day has finally come…
The words from Maurice and Tkachuk in the above video are very appropriate as we head into tonight’s Game 1.
Last year’s postseason felt like the Cats were on borrowed time. Yes, they had talent, overcame the odds in the three series leading up to the Cup finals, but they were completely depleted by the time they met Vegas. Injuries took their toll on the roster and the goaltending was suspect. As a result, Florida’s Cinderella Story just couldn’t compete with the VGK behemoth.
This year is different.
The Panthers are healthy, have a deep roster, and are boasting solid goaltending from Bob. Knock on wood to all of that, but I say it to point out that they are in
much better shape this time than they were last year.
TONIGHT
While the talent on Edmonton was never lost on me, I thought Florida would be facing off against Dallas in the finals. Between the Oilers and Stars, Dallas just struck me as a more rounded team.
Truthfully, I wasn’t watching much of the other rounds throughout the playoffs. I’d tune in here and there, catch the highlights the next day, etc., but the focus was on our Panthers (of course).
However, this seems to be a more complete Edmonton team than the ones we are accustomed to - the ones struggling to get over the hump.
Led by the obvious stars of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, EDM has a slew of complementary/role players like Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Evander Kane, Adam Henrique, Corey Perry, and so on.
Offense hasn’t been Edmonton’s problem the past few years. Their issues came in the way of defense and goaltending. While Edmonton still struggles with the latter, they have improved their blueline, as
CBS Sports points out:
“
The Oilers rely heavily on a core of about six players with Connor McDavid leading the way as the best hockey player on this rotating rock. Including McDavid, Edmonton has five players with at least 18 points in these playoffs. No one else has more than eight. When the Oilers' top players are rolling, as they have been all postseason, they are almost invulnerable. The big question is whether they can keep it going against Florida's defense.
Edmonton has held its own defensively in these playoffs, but the vast majority of that work has been done by Mattias Ekholm and Evan Bouchard. Those two have combined for a plus-9 goal differential at five-on-five, per Natural Stat Trick. Without those two in the game, that goal differential plummets to minus-12.”
Adding:
“
Special teams won the day for the Oilers in the last round, and they will have an edge in that department again. Their power play has converted on 37.3% of its opportunities, and the penalty kill has killed off 28 consecutive power play chances for its opponents. The Panthers are no slouches on special teams, but they aren't quite that good.”
I’m predicting a tight series.
As always, Florida needs to dictate the pace and force the Oilers to play their game. We saw what happened with New York when they tried to keep up with Florida. They were out-conditioned by the Cats, allowing Florida to take over in the third periods.
I think the real key will be physicality. This is actually a point I see being discussed a lot heading into this series. Florida is not shy about throwing the body and is far more physical than EDM. Some Edmonton players say they’re ready for it and don’t see it being an advantage. I guess they have to say that because the alternative would be ridiculous.
Containing world-class talent like McDavid and Draisaitl is no easy task. The heavy forecheck and constant bodies on these guys will force Edmonton to rely more on their “B” role players.
The Panthers need to swarm the shaky blue paint of the Oilers. Pucks and bodies to the net. Pucks and bodies to the net. Pucks and bodies to the net…
Florida has been solid on special teams this postseason. But the captain obvious statement remains the same heading into these finals: avoid the box as much as possible.
DOUBLE AGENTS
Here’s a fun little look back at some “double agents” who played for both the Panthers and Oilers.
No lineup changes.
Let’s rock.
__________________________________
Go Panthers!
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