Panthers Pounced on the Visiting Edmonton Oilers.
The Florida Panthers looked dominant as their claws came out in game three of the Stanley Cup Final. In front of a boisterous home crowd, the Panthers gave their fans much to cheer about. They were the best team from start to finish, winning going away with a score of 6-1. This sets up a game 4 on Thursday evening in Florida in what will most likely be a Must Win for the Oilers.
A game 4 win by the Panthers would give them a strangle hold on the series. The Oilers would still be mathematically alive, but when was the last time the Panthers lost 3 straight playoff games? Not probable. The Panthers will not need to make any real adjustments as they seem to have once again found their rhythm. Their aggressive forechecking / finish the check / stingy / grindy / great goaltending / diversified scoring is proving to be a formula that may win them 2 straight Stanley Cups.
Game 3 did see the Oilers totally collapse. They became frustrated and undisciplined. The Oilers were unable solve Sergei Bobrovsky. Oiler starting goaltender Stuart Skinner was chased and replaced by Calvin Pickard. With frustrations erupting on the side of the Oilers, the second half of the game became combative with many penalties.
For Edmonton to win Game 4, they need to return to the style of game that has had them make it to the Stanley Cup Final. This means playing a disciplined style of game. Their best players will have to have impactful games and the defense and goaltending will have to be good. The Oiler power play will have to be successful.
Goal scorers for the Florida Panthers included 6 different contributors with Sam Reinhard (+1 assist), Evan Rodrigues (+1 assist), Carter Verhaeghe (+1 assist), Sam Bennett, Erin Ekblad and Brad Marchand each adding one goal. Eetu Luostarinen added 2 assists. Corey Perry provided the loan Oiler goal. There were 140 combined minutes of penalties in this game.
Game 4 will be very interesting. Stay tuned.
Keep your stick on the ice and stay safe.
Greetings. In introducing myself, I must relate that family is most important. I am a husband, father and grandfather. Beautiful extended family. I was born in the 60’s. Graduated from Laurentian University in Sudbury in 1985 with a degree in Social Work. Recently retired.
Sports has been and continues to be my foremost outlet for stress. I have been a coach/ trainer on over 40 youth teams, including hockey, baseball and soccer. Hockey is my number one sport. Began playing as a young child and continue to play several times per week. Huge Fan. I am not an expert per say when it comes to having close contacts to the hockey world. Still have expertise as a Fan. I have probably earned some form of “Hockey PTSD” over the years with the highs and lows of the cheering for the Leafs. I want to respectfully share my opinion and respectfully view your opinions. Should be fun. Keep your stick on the ice.
Take Care and Stay Safe.