SCF: Florida Panthers vs Edmonton Oilers (Series Tied 3-3) Hold onto your butts, Game 7, Monday 8/24 @ 8pm ET !

[Leonardo87]

**Stanley Cup Final**
Florida Panthers vs Edmonton Oilers

Click to read more...

 

[pb1300]

Those who do more than just stat watch understand that Florida has downright been better than Edmonton for all 3 games

Edmonton was good the 1st game. That was a combination of the time off, as well as them adjusting to Edmonton's speed and game plan. After the 2nd period of Game 1, the Panthers started playing their game, and dictating the series.

 

[jonlin]

Oilers have the better offensive Top-6. Panthers have the better defensive forwards, much better D and G. The biggest difference is the 3rd lines.

Panthers:

Luostarinen - Lundell - Tarasenko

60gp 9g 22a 31p +13

VS.

Oilers:

Janmark - Henrique - Brown

49gp 5g 8a 13p +/-0

This is just points. Luostarinen and Lundell also play a very good defensive game and PK. Lundell is also 53.2% at FO:s

 

[pb1300]

Oilers have the better offensive Top-6. Panthers have the better defensive forwards, much better D and G. The biggest difference is the 3rd lines.

Panthers:

Luostarinen - Lundell - Tarasenko

60gp 9g 22a 31p +13

VS.

Oilers:

Janmark - Henrique - Brown

49gp 5g 8a 13p +/-0

This is just points. Luostarinen and Lundell also play a very good defensive game and PK. Lundell is also 53.2% at FO:s

No they dont. Panthers have the better top 11. McDavid is the best of them all, but Barkov has proved to be just as valuable, if not more, than Draisaitl.

And when the Oilers play McDrai together, their 2nd to 4th lines do not match up with the Panthers at all.

 

[LuGBuG]

In 2009, Zorp Orgad, a representitive of the Martian Republic of Power will descend upon Earth and demand a seven game series between the best possible compilation of human players who will compete against the Martian All-Stars. The Martians state that if the humans either decline or lose the series the Earth will be destroyed.

Shortly thereafter a team of players was assembled by Earth, aptly named "World Heroes". That day and the several weeks following would witness the most important inter-galactic Ice-Hockey battle to ever take place, and arguably the most decisive moments in the 4.5 billion years of Earth's history.

Captained by the incredible Joe Sakic, World Heroes consisted of the nineteen finest men on the planet. Joe Sakic, Jarome Iginla, Alexandre Ovechkin, Sydney Crosby, Jaromir Jagr, Peter Forsberg, Mats Sundin, Henrik Zetterberg, Dany Heatley, Gary Roberts, Teemu Selanne and Chris Drury filled out the forwards. Even as impressive was the defence, led by Scott Niedermayer, he was accompanied by Niklas Lidstrom, Chris Pronger, Tomas Kaberle, Dion Phaneuf and Jason Smith. Martin Brodeur was named the lone goaltender.

Though the team had been named, the world was still in need of a leader. On August 7th, 2009 the United States Government had no choice but to name Paul Maurice, currently on tour with the ILKF (International League of Knife Fighting), the coach of the team that would decide the fate of the Earth.

Immediately following his appointment as coach of World Heroes there were several attempts made on the life of Paul Maurice by Martian spies as well as the bitter Lindy Ruff, all of which were easily avoided and the attackers were swiftly dismembered.

When quizzed about the events Paul Maurice shrugged and promptly responded, "I've killed before and I'll kill again."

As you can imagine, controversy was rife even before the puck was dropped.

Allegations of outrageous cocaine use and constant solicitation of hookers were thrown at Maurice relentlessly by the media. On top that, he had recently been arrested for the possesion of thirty-two thousand guns and several rocket launchers. He publicly silenced his critics by staring into the news camera for thirty minutes without a blink. The world took notice. This is the man they needed, this is the man we wanted. The hero was born.

Outside of the Paul Maurice media circus there were other pressing dilemmas. Joe Sakic, controversial captain of World Heroes, was coming off his worst season ever. With only 12 goals and 48 points and a plus/minus rating -19 Sakic and the Colorado Avalanche had missed the playoffs for the first time in the teams history. A large group of would-be supporters, led by Jason Spezza, who was surprisingly ommited from the team, called for the prompt departure of captain Joseph Sakic.

At a press conference leading up towards the series, Jason Spezza unleashed a verbal battering against Sakic. Before Sakic was able to reply Paul Maurice had clutched Spezza by the throat and punched out the whiney centreman.

The stage was set, games one, two, five and seven were to be played on Earth while games three, four and six would be held on Mars. The Earth games were played in Rexall Place, Edmonton, Madison Square Gardens, New York, CSKA Sport Palace, Moscow and Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto. All games on Mars were played on the dreaded thirty-nine kilometre high, eight-hundred and fifty thousand seat Mount Olympus Chaos Arena. When questioned over whether he and his players would suffer a disadvantage playing in such a location he responded by saying, "I'm sure we'll enjoy the scenery," and took another puff of his cigarette.

Thus, the series began with Maurice looking on.

Games one and two were won easily by the Martian All-Stars. With 6-0 and 10-1 victories respectively, World Heroes were collectively brought to their knees and the global population silenced. Hope dwindled.

On the shuttle flight to Mars Paul Maurice gave what is now known, in Martian, as the "DALA-GRAK", the most inspiring and prolific speech ever given. Onlookers still wonder whether a small piece of the late Winston Churchill had been reborn inside the man who spoke before them.

In closing, Paul Maurice declared "Times will change... era's end... but we are all forever men, and as men, we write the pages of history and history does not end anytime soon."

Game 3 began.

World Heroes came out firing. They went ahead 2-0 in the first period through goals by Peter Forsberg and Henrik Zetterberg. The human side would have been ahead by even more if it had not been for the superb goaltending displayed by Nebulus-9.

The second period saw a dramatic change in play. With several questionable penalties called against World Heroes the Martian All-Stars were able to capitalize and net three powerplay goals. Our Heroes were shocked. Going into the 3rd period, World Heroes faced the possibility of falling to an insurmountable 3-0 series deficit.

With their biggest stars failing to impress and hope fading fast, it was the young Henrik Zetterberg who played the role of saviour. Two late goals in the dying minutes gave himself a hat-trick and gave World Heroes a badly needed victory.

Game 4 had quite a buzz while Head Coach Paul Maurice was badly hungover. While outing his smoke on Chris Drury's neck he looked on at the dressing room wall with brutal contempt. The demons inside Paul Maurice could not go unnoticed. Unaware of how is present condition affected his team, World Heroes lost the game 4-1 in what is generally the most lacklustre effort by group of men. Contributing to the pain was the tragic death of the World Hero, Henrik Zetterberg. Caught squarely in the jaw by the shoulder of Rakton Klack, the Swedish game 3 star was killed instantly. Paul Maurice, at the time, could hardly have noticed. He would.

Maurice was the first to realize the blame for the events of game 4 fell solely on his shoulders. He was determined to make amends. He promised himself he would kick the alcohol for the remainder of the series, cigarettes and women would have to do.

On a more personal matter, Paul Maurice sought out and murdered Rakton Klack. He was ready to go back to Earth, he was ready to win.

Games 5 and 6 saw World Heroes put together some fine performances and force a game 7. As good as the Martian All-Stars were, World Heroes were that much better.

With victory no longer a certainty the Martian Republic of Power turned to more devious tactits in order to win the series. They set out to end Paul Maurice's tenure as coach of World Heroes... permanently.

On the day of the game 6 victory two Martian police officers were killed during a routine traffic stop. Somehow, Mars Judicial Council of Judgement placed Maurice under arrest for both murders. He was being framed.

When asked how do you plan on defending yourself Paul Maurice explained that he would be his own attorney. As he was being mocked by the Martian judge for defending himself Paul Maurice responded in a rising whisper and said, "Well your honour.... the best defence.. is a good offence." Afterwhich he pulled out two guns and began unloading on those present in the courtroom. Once the guns were quieted the chase was on. Maurice lept through courthouse window which was on the 3rd floor of the building and fled the thousands of rampaging Martian soldiers who were hot on his tail. Maurice could see the end of his road, the Martian gorge opened up before him with his attackers still trailing- bullets whizzing past his head like flies. With no other choice, Paul Maurice lept into the gorge. Shortly after jumping Paul Maurice ignited his jetpack, leaving the Martians in the dust.

Game 7 was here.

World Heroes hit the ice with never before seen intensity by men. They grabbed the opening goal through a classic Joe Sakic wrist-shot from just above the hash marks. The Martians however would not lay and went on to score the next 3 goals. Stunned but not beaten, World Heroes fought back, once again led by Joe Sakic. A one-timer through the five-hole and a shorthanded goal that Nebulus-9 would certainly like to have back tied the game for World Heroes. Still, the Martians taking the lead again before the end of the second. Though unrecorded, whatever it was that Maurice in the dressing room was the undoubtedly the deciding factor. Tying the game was Joe Sakic with his fourth goal. It would come down to overtime.

It was once again Joe Sakic scoring the goal with Paul Maurice looking on with adoring eyes. Scott Niedermayer sprung Joe Sakic on a breakaway where he fired the puck over the glove hand of the Martian tender. World Heroes had won, Earth was safe.

Bonds between captains and coaches have come and gone, but this was different. And while the glory was sweet, the battle for Maurice had not ended, the bitter taste remained. As a gesture of love to the father he never had Joe Sakic cut the "C" out of his jersey and gave it to Paul. Then, with heavy heart, watched the world's most dangerous man blast away into the sky... forever.

(credit to @Ceremony)

 

[shaner8989]

To much trash in Edmonton. Nurse Ceci Kulak are legit echl level D.

Boring finals but the best team in the league wins the cup.

 

[BB88]

There exists a 'level of play' that supersedes simple point totals and statistics. Barkov and McDavid are a perfect example of this. Yes, McDavid is racking up the points these playoffs. But just watching him - his style, his body language, the emotion behind it all - it's really just regular season McD maybe elevated a bit. Barkov on the other hand, has has turned the 'switch' on to beast-mode from game #1 vs Tampa. He's feisty, spicy and has absolute control of the ice almost every shift. Did you see his goal last night? It's like he's playing EA NHL on rookie mode out there. It's ridiculous.

McDavid thought the "regular season, historic numbers" version of himself was enough to carry him forward in the playoffs. Barkov turned into a f***ing werewolf.

Barkovs goal is perfect example of who he is

Few seconds earlier he was the Florida player closest to his own goal line and few seconds later he scores on the other end

I’m amazed even after this playoff run how many are still all about piints, points, points. Making opposing teams superstars useless isn’t valuable at all..

 

[Mestaruus]

It was bad karma when Drai did that dirty hit on Barky. Drai basically lost the game 3 with that. It's just the way it goes.

Also Edmonton, hire some Finns. It's the new way to win cups obviously. Don't need to have your superstar be a rat like Perry and try to kill other players, but instead sign them.

 

[BB88]

Those who do more than just stat watch understand that Florida has downright been better than Edmonton for all 3 games

There’s a certain place where you’d never knew that..

It’s been men against boys

 

[CatscratchFever]

The "Cinderella" team rarely wins it all (that Blues squad is such an outlier it's not even funny). The Cats in 1996 and 2023 and many others have failed once they got there. EDM will either change their makeup and identity and try to run it back, or they won't. This one will be in the books in short order.

 

[BB88]

Hey I was told the East was figure skating on ice compared to the West when I said that Florida was going to crush whoever comes out of the West when it was only Dallas and Edmonton left. I gotta go dig and see who posted that take.

There’s some soul searching to be done

 

[bobholly39]

I'm surprised/disappointed so far. I really expected McDavid and Draisaitl to do better in their first finals. Looking at the games, I feel as though McDavid is still playing pretty well, but I can't say the same for Drai. In fact I watched very little of rounds 1 and 2 for Edmonton, but have watched a lot of round 3 and 4, and since I started watching I feel Draisaitl has always looked like crap, I rarely notice him making any big plays.

Florida has done a great job so far. I know I like making fun of Panthers because they're not my favorite team - but they've been super solid, and if they win next game they definitely are worthy/deserving champions.

I'm still hoping for a comeback though. Edmonton had a lot going for them going in the finals, so it's surprising they've come up this short. Best team in the league since the coaching change, best offense/powerplay, not a single PK goal allowed in who knows how long, etc.

 

[bobholly39]

The "Cinderella" team rarely wins it all (that Blues squad is such an outlier it's not even funny). The Cats in 1996 and 2023 and many others have failed once they got there. EDM will either change their makeup and identity and try to run it back, or they won't. This one will be in the books in short order.

I agree that the "cinderella" team rarely wins.

Habs in 21, Sabres/Caps in 98 and 99, Panthers in 96....probably a few other examples of cinderella teams making the finals and then losing.

But what's this have to do with 2024, or 2023?

Edmonton is sure as hell not a cinderalla team lol. They have the best record in the league since the coaching change in early November.

Similarly - Florida was definitely not a cinderella team last year. They were defending president's trophy champion.

 

[behemolari]

Defense and depth wins like always do, go figure Edmonton

 

[ProjectPanthers]

The Western Conference is actually terrible from top to bottom?

But seriously, Edmonton's put up about a 1st round Eastern Conference effort. Not sure they'd get past Tampa TBH.

McDavid deserves a statue for the sole reason that he's been able to will this AHL team into the Finals. That alone is an unbelievable feat that cannot be lost in this.

I'm sorry, I'm not sure if someone's already asked - what exactly is the context here, lol? August of 2013. Can see a light hearted chirp towards an up and coming phenom but in August?

Context: they're buddies from back in the day, Ekblad was just chirping his friend for the hell of it. Thought it was funny with last night's game added to the context

 

[Peasy]

Gz Florida. Clearly came into this season/post season on a mission and looks like they are going to succeed in that mission. Theyve clearly learned from their past playoffs.

 

[Oscar Lindberg]

Good to know the actual Stanley cup was the ECF. Edmonton stinks

 

[Devilsfan118]

Should've been Dallas.

 

[dwdl21]

We are witnessing one of the greatest runs by a goalie since Patrick Roy in Montreal, last year the Panthers were down 3-1 to Boston when they put in Bob and rode him to the Cup, unfortunately he sat to long before the final having swept the Canes and got rusty, this year he's ready and it shows "if" he can keep it up like Roy in 93 he is capable of stealing the whole thing, gonna be fun to watch.

You guys can laugh all you want, but Bobs going to hoist the Cup and the Conn Smythe .

 

[genk]

It’s over. Congrats FLA on the finals sweep!

 

[PaulD]

1. Florida owns that they have some questionable players, they don’t try and deny it

2. Florida wasn’t the most penalized team this season


Tkachuk has his stick between McDavid’s legs, how is that “hacking”?

was a great defensive play by Tkachuk...penalty or not

You guys can laugh all you want, but Bobs going to hoist the Cup and the Conn Smythe .

yes he most certainly is

 

[Fataldogg]

I'm not sure about Bobrovsky winning the Conn Smythe. He is a .916, while those are solid numbers, they don't scream playoff MVP. Several guys on the team have a case, I don't have a big issue with Bob getting it, but typically goalies who win Conn Smythe are putting up .925-.935.

 

[Laus723]

I really thought McDavid would show up and win today then lose the next one.

I know EDM fans don't want to hear it but I appreciate not blaming the refs as much.

It seems like you finally realized that you are just overmatched. Major props to you.

I have NO DOUBT McDavid will win a cup in EDM. Need goalie help and another puck moving D man.

I do not want any panther fan to think that Tampa has anything to do with your success.

You guys are playing elite level hockey...but a little part of me wants to believe that you learned playoff hockey from playing against us. You saw...you did what you needed to...just let me have that little bit. Barkov is fing amazing.

Absolutely they learned from the Bolts. IMO Zito, and the guys still here, closely watched Tampa dive in front of pucks, play a strong defensive structure, suffocate us offensively, and still score big goals.

Zito recognized the problem guys, moved them out, brought in Maurice over Brunette (with many thinking we’d made a huge mistake), added guys who’d fit his vision, and did what he could last year with the Yandle buyout handcuff.

Last off-season he took what he learned from Vegas as well and applied it.

I learned from watching Tampa, but learned most the year they lost to Colorado. We won the President’s Trophy, score a record amount of goals (iirc),but that’s not how you win in the playoffs.

Still not there yet. Edmonton is shell shocked, and while I think Flopsaitl is annoying, he and McDavid are always dangerous.

 

[Stickpucker]

Skinner right now


Send out the bat signal for someone who can play defense.

 

[MCR74]

You guys can laugh all you want, but Bobs going to hoist the Cup and the Conn Smythe .

In Edmonton!

 

[Dr Pepper]

Should've been Dallas.

Not sure if they would've done any better against this Florida team.....but Edmonton's looked awful.