‘They have our complete focus’: Oilers embrace new mindset for Panthers rematch

After a heartbreaking defeat in the Stanley Cup final last year, Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers are back with a vengeance. The team, which staged an incredible comeback to force Game 7 after trailing 3-0 in the series, fell short in Florida’s sweltering heat against the Panthers. However, this year, they are more prepared, more balanced, and more determined to bring the Cup home.

McDavid, who rewrote the NHL’s playoff record book with his outstanding performance last year, is once again leading the charge. Alongside his partner-in-crime, Leon Draisaitl, the Oilers have a more balanced attack this time around, with goals coming from 19 different players on their journey to the final. The team’s maturity and experience from last year’s playoff run have them feeling more confident and grounded as they face off against the Panthers in this year’s final.

In terms of health, the Oilers are relatively unscathed, with the exception of Zach Hyman’s upper-body injury, which has likely ended his season. Top-six winger Evander Kane, who missed the entire regular season due to abdominal surgery, is back in the lineup, as is minute-crunching defenceman Mattias Ekholm. Stuart Skinner has been solid in goal for the Oilers, providing a sense of calm and stability to the team.

On the other side, the Panthers are no strangers to the final, having reached it for the third consecutive year. Led by captain Aleksander Barkov and head coach Paul Maurice, Florida plays a hard forechecking style that poses a challenge to opposing teams. With a talented group of forwards, including Brad Marchand who joined the team at the trade deadline, the Panthers are a formidable opponent for the Oilers.

As the Oilers look to end Canada’s Cup drought, which dates back to 1993, the pressure is on. Teams from Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa, and Montreal have all come close in recent years, but none have been able to clinch the ultimate prize. McDavid and his teammates are well aware of the magnitude of the moment, but they are focused on the task at hand – beating the Panthers and bringing the Cup home to Edmonton.

With a sense of calm, maturity, and determination, the Oilers are ready to write a different ending to this year’s final. The stage is set for an epic showdown between two powerhouse teams, and hockey fans are in for a treat. Stay tuned as the drama unfolds on the ice at Rogers Place.