How The Oilers & Panthers Will Win The Cup?

Well, friends, we’ve just about previewed the Stanley Cup Final from every angle there is to preview it. Let’s just say that this series can’t begin soon enough. 

So, in the last article before the series begins on Saturday, this preview will look at how both teams will end up winning the Stanley Cup. What will happen for them to hoist the greatest trophy in sports?

How The Oilers Will Win The Cup?

The first thing that comes to mind is that the Oilers will win with speed. They will move the puck up the ice and gash the Panthers on the rush. Even Bouchard can set up the offense with outlet passes while Connor McDavid goes end-to-end with the puck. 

But that doesn’t mean the Oilers won’t win with defense and great goaltending. Stuart Skinner was unbeatable in the Western Conference Final and he’ll remain hot in the net. With the defensive unit, led by Bouchard, Mattias Ekholm, and Darnell Nurse, helping Skinner out, the Panthers won’t find the back of the net often.  

Then there’s the power play and the penalty kill. The Oilers have scored on their last four opportunities with an extra skater on the ice and they’ve killed off 28 penalties in a row. This series won’t be played five-on-five and it gives this team the advantage.  

But the bottom line is that the Oilers will win this series when their stars step up. McDavid must take over games with his great play on the offensive end but also with his play on the defensive end. Leon Draisaitl must overpower the Panthers in the offensive zone. Zach Hyman must continue to find the back of the net. Bouchard must open up the offense at the point. 

The Oilers are not in the Stanley Cup Final without their depth. It’s the stars that will win it all for them.

How The Panthers Will Win The Cup?

With defense and physicality. That’s the simple way of putting it. The Panthers will set the tone with their forecheck and hard hits in the offensive zone, led by Matthew Tkachuk, Aleksander Barkov, Sam Reinhart, and the forwards who win with both their offense and defense. 

On top of that, the defense will limit shots on the net and passing lanes for the Oilers offense which thrives in space. Gustav Forsling, Aaron Ekblad, and Brandon Montour will anchor the unit and particularly win this series with their gap-sound defense. 

Speaking of Forsling and Montour, they must fuel the power play at the point and help it catch fire. They have seven goals and 13 assists in the playoffs and their ability to add a spark in the offensive zone will go a long way. 

Then there’s the offense which will make a difference in this series both in the top six and the bottom six. Tkachuk and Barkov are the stars leading the way but the depth will also make a difference. The Panthers rolling out four lines that constantly find the back of the net will ultimately allow them to end up on top in this series.