Pre-Game Talk: Return of the Rat - Stanley Cup Finals '24: Edmonton vs. Florida

[joestevens29]

How so?

Can anybody provide an analysis on how the Stars and Panthers compare?

I’m assuming because this will be a more physical and nasty series. That being said VD was sending up pizzas when pressured and was constantly getting beaten to the puck against Dallas. I don’t know if he draws in.

The narrative last week wasn't just because it would be physical and nasty, but that the special teams would have more of an impact on the next series and that vinny would be needed.

Be interesting to see now if that's still the narrative.

 

[bone]

Even 5 mins of TOI isn't going to hurt the team

It does if someone else gets hurt in game and it ends up being a game that goes to OT and you have to run your better players for excessive minutes.

 

[5 Mins 4 Ftg]

 

[Little Fury]

Another big benefit of this six day wait for the Finals is I can replenish my bank account and give my liver a break.

 

[Oilhawks]

Yeah they can stfu. Don't give a flying f*** if the rest of the Canadian fanbases didn't support us either. Why the f*** would I care about the leafs when their fanbase has been churning the McDavid facial expression to this day to cope.

Hur durrrrr, leafs have only made it past the 1st round once in the last 8-9 appearances, but yes, Connor will surely want to go there after leading this team with Draisaitl to a SCF final. The Oilers could win the cup this year, and their dumb f***ing media would spin it to a leafs story.

TSN and Sportsnet: With the Oilers Stanley cup win, how closer are the Maple Leafs to winning a Stanley cup also?

1000% this would be posted the same night

 

[joestevens29]

Yeah they can stfu. Don't give a flying f*** if the rest of the Canadian fanbases didn't support us either. Why the f*** would I care about the leafs when their fanbase has been churning the McDavid facial expression to this day to cope.

Hur durrrrr, leafs have only made it past the 1st round once in the last 8-9 appearances, but yes, Connor will surely want to go there after leading this team with Draisaitl to a SCF final. The Oilers could win the cup this year, and their dumb f***ing media would spin it to a leafs story.

TSN and Sportsnet: With the Oilers Stanley cup win, how closer are the Maple Leafs to winning a Stanley cup also?

Apparently really close as McDavid would be going there lol

 

[joestevens29]

Growing up Pamela Anderson's playboy spread was burnt into my head, could pick Pam's breast out of a lineup if need be.

This girl has now accomplished the same.

 

[K1984]

Sure would be nice to have Bjugstad in our lineup. That 4C remains a big hole.

4C hasn't been a hole for us since the playoffs started more or less. We have two of them that are both playing great hockey when called upon.

 

[bellagiobob]

 

[Arpeggio]

Foegele isn't getting back in right now. Gagner is easily as fast as Perry.

I don't know who you think he is, but he's not Brad Malone, Gagner can absolutely play. If he plays sub 10 mins, the team will be just fine. No one is suggesting he get 20+ mins in all situations.

I'm not saying he can't, but Foegele and Carrick go in before him right now if Perry comes out.

I bet you Foegele does see the ice in the final series, he's been bad but he's capable of playing much better.

 

[Drivesaitl]

No rats allowed in Alberta. EXTERMINATE!

ps the whole time we've been saying Ratchuk this guy wasn't happy..

Poor guy with a name like that, no offense meant. We're talking about this guy:

 

[bellagiobob]

 

[McJadeddog]

I know Florida is big and hits, and people think we need VD in because of that. But I keep Broberg in as he is fast enough to retrieve pucks and make a play against the fast Florida forecheck. Broberg should play over VD, and I don't think its a hard decision either. I would bring VD in, but replace Ceci, as Ceci is going to get killed in his own zone.

 

[CROTT]

Some old clips from the Canucks series, but some gooders.

 

[PaPaDee]

I’m assuming because this will be a more physical and nasty series. That being said VD was sending up pizzas when pressured and was constantly getting beaten to the puck against Dallas. I don’t know if he draws in.

I haven’t watched enough of the Panthers, but feels like they play a strong forecheck where puck movement and transition is just as important as last series against the Stars?

 

[McJadeddog]

McDavid will no doubt see a lot of those guys, he's a notch above the guys they shut down so far but he'll have his work cut out for him that's for sure. Hopefully Draisaitl can hit a heater for the finals. He's a big timer so I could see him have one hell of a series.

I actually think Barkov is likely to shut down whomever he plays against. He really is that good. But that is why having McDrai on separate lines is so important. This likely means Florida matches hard against McDavid, and Drai is going to need to have a hell of a series.

 

[K1984]

I know Florida is big and hits, and people think we need VD in because of that. But I keep Broberg in as he is fast enough to retrieve pucks and make a play against the fast Florida forecheck. Broberg should play over VD, and I don't think its a hard decision either. I would bring VD in, but replace Ceci, as Ceci is going to get killed in his own zone.

I would have flipped VD and Ceci as well in/out of the press box, but I thought Ceci played two really strong games in 5 and 6.

Thankfully we're in a spot at both forward and D where we have a guy waiting to come in that isn't just roster filler in case someone else underperforms.

 

[PaPaDee]

View attachment 879239

Was this on TV? How did I miss this lol

 

[Kerberos]

Good luck charm activated. @BenningHurtsMySoul picked the Stars in 4 and he picks the Panthers in 4 as well.

Nothing if but predictable but thank you for your contribution.

 

[Broberg Speed]

These Oilers are a team of destiny. Florida won't stop them.

Is there any non-cringey media today ? Because I can't find it.

 

[McJadeddog]

I disagree. Panthers forecheck hard and would feast on Desharnais’ inability to move the puck. Broberg has got a good first pass and can skate

Yup, agree completely. Broberg has been more than fine in his role since coming in, and we need his speed on the backend to retrieve pucks.

 

[iCanada]

WTF. Dudes built different.

 

[alanschu]

Been learning a lot today. Florida apparently has no weaknesses as a team, despite rocking a 2nd pairing of NHL cast offs in OEL and Kulikov

I definitely don't keep up on out of town hockey teams all that much, but I remember being pretty high on OEL in the past.

I see he's 32 now and his stats are definitely in decline, but have things fallen off that much?

 

[Jimmi McJenkins]

These Oilers are a team of destiny. Florida won't stop them.

Is there any non-cringey media today ? Because I can't find it.

I don't know what you mean (2nd part), but I hope you're right about the first part.

You listen to Jack's call down the stretch, it's just awesome.

Some old clips from the Canucks series, but some gooders.

Knoblauch giving congrats to DiGiusppe(sp) on becoming a dad was pretty awesome.

 

[Sheikyerbouti]

Eastern media has lost their minds imo. Talking about Chucky and Bennet like they are the broad street bullies. Get real. They are the second most penalized team in the league and will be forced to adjust their game before the puck even drops.