The stage is set for a thrilling showdown as the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers prepare to battle it out in Game 7 of the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Final. Scheduled to take place at 8 p.m. ET at the Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Fla., this game offers the Panthers the chance to secure their first-ever Stanley Cup on home ice, while the Oilers are in pursuit of their sixth championship title.
Panthers' Quest for Glory
The Florida Panthers are poised on the brink of making history. Having won the first three games of the series, they seemed poised to sweep the Final. However, the tides turned as they lost the next three games, setting up a decisive Game 7 on home turf.
Throughout the postseason, the Panthers have demonstrated resilience, amassing a 15-8 record. They enter this final clash favored by a slim margin at -111, with the over/under for total goals set at 5.5. The team’s past performances in the Stanley Cup Final, marred by losses in their first two appearances, hang over them as a historical burden they are eager to cast off.
Key players like Carter Verhaeghe and Anton Lundell have been instrumental in the Panthers' playoff run. Verhaeghe, who scored 34 goals and made 38 assists during the regular season, has notched 10 goals and nine assists in 23 postseason games. Meanwhile, Lundell has contributed four assists in the series, adding to his tally of three goals and 13 assists in this year's playoffs.
Oilers’ Drive for Their Sixth Cup
The Edmonton Oilers, boasting a legacy of five Stanley Cup championships, are a formidable opponent. Narrowly priced at -109, they aim to add a sixth trophy to their storied history. Their performance in away games has been notable, with the game total going under in 28 of their last 43 away contests and 55 of their last 90 games overall.
Connor McDavid has been a standout player throughout the postseason, amassing an impressive 42 points from eight goals and 34 assists. His remarkable efforts in recent games have included scoring twice and assisting on two goals in Game 5, and in Game 4, he added another goal and three assists. McDavid's consistency has been a vital asset for the Oilers, especially in pivotal moments.
Complementing McDavid’s performance, Leon Draisaitl has also been a key contributor, with 10 goals and 21 assists in the playoffs. Draisaitl's ability to rise to the occasion was evident in the Western Conference Finals, where he scored two goals and provided two assists. He also made significant contributions in the second round against Vancouver, with three goals and nine assists. During the regular season, Draisaitl finished with 106 points, including 41 goals and 65 assists in 81 games.
Anticipation Builds
As anticipation builds for an unforgettable Game 7, fans from both teams wait with bated breath. The Amerant Bank Arena will undoubtedly be a cauldron of emotions, with Panthers fans hoping to witness history and Oilers supporters dreaming of another championship triumph. With both teams possessing remarkable talent and tenacity, this game promises to be an epic conclusion to the 2024 NHL season.