It all comes down to this. After the Florida Panthers took a commanding 3-0 lead over the Edmonton Oilers in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, many thought the series was over. However, Connor McDavid and his teammates staged a remarkable comeback, outscoring the Panthers 18-5 to tie the series at three games apiece, becoming only the third team in NHL history to do so in the Stanley Cup Final.
Can the Oilers complete the historic reverse sweep? Will the Panthers avoid a devastating collapse? Here's everything you need to know before tonight's puck drop, including what's at stake for each team, key players to watch, and advanced matchup metrics from ESPN Stats & Information.
### What's at Stake for the Panthers?
**Reputation.** The Panthers have long been an afterthought in the NHL. After losing in the 1996 Stanley Cup Final, Florida made only four playoff appearances over the next 23 years without winning a single round. Their games often featured more opposing fans, drawn by cheap tickets and Florida's sunny climate, than hometown supporters.
However, General Manager Bill Zito has transformed the Panthers into a top-tier contender. He built a President's Trophy-winning team and made bold moves, like trading star player Jonathan Huberdeau for Matthew Tkachuk, that paid off. Zito also acquired key players like Gustav Forsling and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who have been crucial to the team's success. If the Panthers let this opportunity slip away after leading 3-0, it would be a significant blow. This is their chance to write a new chapter in their history, proving they belong at the top of the league.
### What's at Stake for the Oilers?
**Legacy.** Edmonton is a city where simply winning isn't enough; the manner of the victory also matters. The Oilers have won five Stanley Cups, but those victories came in seven seasons, featuring some of the greatest players in hockey history, including the legendary Wayne Gretzky. Winning this Stanley Cup would not only add to their legacy but enhance it. It’s a chance to achieve one of the greatest comebacks in NHL history and perhaps in North American sports.
This could also be the Oilers' best chance to win a Cup with Leon Draisaitl and McDavid, as there's no guarantee they’ll get another opportunity. Winning Game 7 would validate the numerous changes the franchise has undergone to support their generational talents. Losing, however, would lead to more questions, especially with Draisaitl entering the final year of his contract.
### Key Players to Watch
#### For the Panthers:
**Sergei Bobrovsky:** The two-time Vezina Trophy winner has faced criticism after Florida’s defensive struggles. His performance will be crucial in determining whether the Panthers can avoid a historic collapse.
**Carter Verhaeghe:** With a minus-11 rating over the last four games and just one assist since Game 1, Verhaeghe needs to rediscover his playoff form to help his team.
**Gustav Forsling:** His performance has mirrored the team’s fortunes. He was a plus-4 in the first three games but a minus-5 in the last three. Forsling’s ability to shut down McDavid could be key.
**Sam Reinhart:** Reinhart has been quiet in the Cup Final with just one goal and two assists. Florida needs him to step up in Game 7.
**Matthew Tkachuk:** Tkachuk, tied for the team lead in scoring, has the chance to deliver a superstar moment in Game 7.
#### For the Oilers:
**Connor McDavid:** Despite not having a single shot on goal in Game 6, McDavid remains a critical player. Another multipoint performance from him could be decisive.
**Leon Draisaitl:** Although Draisaitl hasn’t scored this series, his playmaking ability remains vital. An impactful Game 7 performance from him could be the difference.
**Zach Hyman:** Leading the playoffs with 16 goals, Hyman’s timely scoring will be crucial as the Panthers focus on shutting down McDavid and Draisaitl.
**Stuart Skinner:** The Oilers’ goalie has been stellar in elimination games, boasting a 10-0 record in Games 4-7 this postseason. His performance will be pivotal in Game 7.
### Predicted Final Score
**Clark:** 4-3 Oilers. This scoreline reflects the even nature of the series and the questions both teams face.
**Matiash:** 4-2 Oilers. Edmonton’s ability to adapt and overcome has been impressive.
**Öcal:** 3-2 Oilers, in overtime. The series deserves a dramatic conclusion.
**Shilton:** 4-3 Panthers, in overtime. Playing at home might give Florida the edge they need.
**Wyshynski:** 5-2 Oilers. Edmonton’s depth and recent form suggest they are ready to make history.
### Game 7 Fast Facts
- This will be the 18th Game 7 in Stanley Cup Final history, with the last one in 2019.
- Road teams have won the last three Game 7s in the Stanley Cup Final.
- The Oilers are playing their third Game 7 in the Final (winning in 1987, losing in 2006).
- The Panthers are playing their fourth Game 7 in franchise history, but their first at home.
### Historical Context
Edmonton’s 18 goals in the last three games tie for the second-most in a three-game span in the Stanley Cup Final. Their plus-13 goal differential in Games 4-6 also ties a record. The Oilers have thrived under elimination pressure, winning five such games this postseason.
The Panthers aim to win their first Stanley Cup and join recent expansion teams that have captured the title. A win would also make them the third team in the expansion era to win the Cup the year after losing in the Final.
### Conclusion
Tonight’s Game 7 promises to be a thrilling conclusion to a historic series. Whether it’s the Panthers solidifying their transformation into a top-tier team or the Oilers completing one of the greatest comebacks in sports history, this game will be remembered for years to come.
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