What’s happened so far?
- Game 1: 3-0 FLA
- Game 2: 4-1 FLA
- Game 3: 4-3 FLA
- Game 4: 8-1 EDM
- Game 5: 5-3 EDM
Florida Panthers
The Panthers have been arguably the most consistent team in these playoffs and truly looked like they were on their way to a clean sweep in the Cup. Games 1 and 2 were essentially a breeze for Florida, showing they were superior to Edmonton. Well, at least for the time being. Game 4 was an appalling outcome in the potential series clincher before McDavid stole the show in Game 5.
That being said, the Panthers can’t be underestimated either, despite how hot the Oilers are. Matthew Tkachuk has 22 points in the postseason to lead the way, while Aleksander Barkov has compiled 21 points. Carter Verhaeghe, Anton Lundell, and Sam Reinhart are chipping in, too. Florida needs the big guns to step up on Friday.
Then in net, Sergei Bobrovsky is typically very solid but the Oilers have lit him up across the last two games. He’ll also need to find his best if the Cats are going to clinch their first-ever Stanley Cup. That will be hard enough, especially on the road. Florida is a slim underdog in Game 6 at most NHL sportsbooks.
Edmonton Oilers
There is no question Oilers fans lost faith in their team after going in a 0-3 hole. I mean, who wouldn’t? But, it clearly woke up Edmonton, who have outscored the Panthers 13-4 across the last two contests. Winning by seven goals likely surprised the entire NHL world. McDavid then stole the show on Tuesday night with a ridiculous performance.
The superstar scored twice and assisted another two, accounting for four of the Oilers’ five goals. He’s now up to 42 points in the playoffs, including eight goals and 34 assists. Truly remarkable. Evan Bouchard also did his job, tallying three assists in the victory. Edmonton couldn’t be in a better position to potentially tie the series up considering the atmosphere at Rogers Place is absolutely electrifying and that will be no different on Friday.
The Oilers must come out with tons of energy. Florida is going to be hungry to finish this series off after back-to-back disappointing losses. Stuart Skinner has been solid in net and that’ll need to continue here. The Panthers’ blue line has had no answer for McDavid and he’ll likely play a key factor in either forcing Game 7 or going home. Edmonton is a home favorite at BetVictor.
