OK, raise your hand if you saw this coming. The Edmonton Oilers became the third team in NHL history to force a Game 7 in the Stanley Cup Final after trailing…
McDavid, Oilers Force Game 7 as NHL Fans Rip Tkachuk, Panthers for Blown Series Lead
Jun 22, 2024
EDMONTON, AB - JUNE 21 : Edmonton Oilers Right Wing Zach Hyman (18) celebrates his goal the third of the game, on Florida Panthers Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky (72) in the second period of game four of the Stanley Cup Final Round Edmonton Oilers game versus the Florida Panthers on June 21, 2024 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, AB. (Photo by Curtis Comeau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The 1942 Detroit Red Wings stand as the only team in NHL history to lose a Stanley Cup Final despite holding a 3-0 series lead.
Eighty-two years later, the Panthers now desperately hope to avoid that ignominious fate after losing Game 6 to the host Edmonton Oilers 5-1 on Friday evening.
The Panthers have gone from being one win away from the greatest moment in franchise history to (potentially) one loss away from one of the biggest chokes in sports history.
If they don't stop bleeding goals, then Florida is joining Detroit, which was outscored 19-7 by the Toronto Maple Leafs from Games 4-7 to lose the championship round.
The Panthers have allowed 18 goals in the past three games, losses of 8-1, 5-3 and 5-1 scores.
Meanwhile, the Panthers' offense has been toothless, as best evidenced Friday by a two-shot first period.
Florida was lucky enough to escape the first 20 minutes losing just 1-0 thanks to a Warren Foegele goal, but it only took 46 more seconds for that to change when Adam Henrique potted one for the Oilers early in the second.
But that was it. Two empty-netters from Ryan McLeod and Darnell Nurse poured salt on a gaping wound.
Florida is fortunate enough to play at home in Game 7, but it's fair to wonder where this team's at right now. As sensational as this team has been most of the season, Florida has done a complete 180 in a matter of a week-plus.
Things can certainly change in a course of a few days, but right now, it's fair to be pessimistic about this team. And right now, that's the case for many fans and analysts alike.
Times like this I wish the NHL had more reach because the Panthers should be getting absolutely cooked by the sports world for blowing a 3-0 lead in a final
The Panthers have just collapsed. I have zero idea what has happened to them that they are now deciding to play their worst hockey of the season. Really disappointing
As Commissioner of the Sad Club, I am pondering a special resolution granting the Panthers early acceptance if they lose this series. Typically it’s a 40-year requirement, but this would be unmatched sadness, and besides we need the dues.
The Edmonton Oilers will look to continue what they hope is a historic comeback in the Stanley Cup Finals on Tuesday as they return to Florida for a date with…
Tkachuk, Panthers Praised By NHL Fans for Taking 3-0 Series Lead vs. McDavid, Oilers
Jun 14, 2024
EDMONTON, CANADA - JUNE 13: Sam Bennett #9 and Matthew Tkachuk #19 of the Florida Panthers celebrate after Bennett's goal against the Edmonton Oilers during the second period of Game Three of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place on June 13, 2024 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
The Florida Panthers are one win away from their first-ever championship after defeating the host Edmonton Oilers 4-3 in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final on Thursday. Florida now has a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Florida scored three goals in a 6:19 span in the second period to turn a 1-1 tie into a 4-1 lead. Vladimir Tarasenko scored the first at 9:12, followed by Sam Bennett at 13:57 and Aleksander Barkov at 15:31.
Edmonton didn't go away quietly, though, scoring twice in the third off goals from Philip Broberg and Ryan McLeod. The Oilers couldn't manage the equalizer, though.
Edmonton out-shot Florida 35-23, including 29-18 over the first two periods. But Florida still won and now holds a nearly insurmountable 3-0 series lead.
Fans and analysts alike praised the Panthers for their tremendous performance:
Barkov is the best forward on the planet. Non negotiable. #timetohunt
Florida has the panthers, the greatest hockey team. We take the puck from end to end like no one’s ever seen. We’re in the crease we’re on the blue line we’re always in control, and when you say Florida you’re talking Stanley Cup!
— Bill Zito Stan Account (@Kameron2494) June 14, 2024
Florida Panthers are currently demoralizing the whole city of Edmonton #ROLLIN
We shouldn't lose sight of how it's the FLORIDA PANTHERS that are on the verge of winning the Stanley Cup in utterly dominant fashion. The Florida. Freaking. Panthers. One of the most buffoonish franchises in sports history for so long. There really is hope for any fan base.
The Florida Panthers jumped on the Edmonton Oilers early and often in the first two games of the Stanley Cup Finals, eager to put the heartbreak and…
Panthers Win Game 2 vs. McDavid, Oilers as NHL Fans Hype Evan Rodrigues' Late Goals
Jun 11, 2024
SUNRISE, FLORIDA - JUNE 10: Evan Rodrigues #17 of the Florida Panthers celebrates after scoring a goal against the Edmonton Oilers during the third period in Game Two of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 10, 2024 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
The Florida Panthers are two wins away from their first Stanley Cup title in franchise history.
Florida defeated the Edmonton Oilers 4-1 in Monday's Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the series. Niko Mikkola opened the scoring for the victors in the second period and Aaron Ekblad finished it with an empty-netter in the third, but it was Evan Rodrigues who played the role of hero.
Rodrigues scored the go-ahead goal and an insurance goal in the third period, which was enough for goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky. While Bobrovsky didn't have to do as much as he did in Game 1, he still finished with 18 saves on 19 shots on goal and stuffed Connor McDavid on a late breakaway threat.
It was quite the save, but it was Rodrigues who drew the most love from social media:
Everything Coming Up Evan 🙌
A 2-goal performance in Game 2 by Evan Rodrigues gives the Panthers a 2-0 lead in the Stanley Cup Final 🔥 pic.twitter.com/y8hw2sWNfP
Florida had all the momentum coming into Monday's contest after Bobrovsky notched 32 saves in a shutout win in Game 1, and it looked like it would be more of the same out of the gates when Oilers forward Warren Foegele received a major penalty and a game misconduct for kneeing Eetu Luostarinen.
However, the Panthers' extended power play was short-lived thanks to a penalty by defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Edmonton took full advantage of the four-on-four with Mattias Ekholm's goal, which was the first time the Western Conference champions bested Bobrovsky in the series.
Warren Foegele received a major penalty and a game misconduct for kneeing Luostarinen pic.twitter.com/if2eB5gSvv
They didn't put much pressure on the veteran goaltender after that, though, as the Oilers managed just seven shots on goal through the first two periods. The Panthers controlled much of the play and created far more opportunities, and it was only a matter of time before they capitalized.
Capitalize they did when Mikkola scored a rare goal from his defensive position to tie the game shortly after nearly putting an own goal into the wrong net, although Edmonton goaltender Stuart Skinner kept it tied heading to the third period thanks to a number of important saves as Florida continued to push forward.
Skinner could only do so much with Edmonton struggling to create chances, and Rodrigues buried the go-ahead goal early in the third period and put even more pressure on McDavid and Co. to generate anything on the other end.
Rodrigues was far from done and buried an insurance goal during a power play to give the home team some breathing room in the final minutes that they only expanded on with the empty-netter.
As a result, the Oilers will have their backs to the wall when the series shifts to Edmonton for Thursday's Game 3.
Panthers Beat McDavid, Oilers in G1 as NHL Fans Celebrate Sergei Bobrovsky's Heroics
Jun 9, 2024
SUNRISE, FLORIDA - JUNE 08: Sergei Bobrovsky #72 of the Florida Panthers makes a save against Ryan Nugent-Hopkins #93 of the Edmonton Oilers during the first period in Game One of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 08, 2024 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Sergei Bobrovsky took standing on his head literally in Saturday night's Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Bobrovsky cartwheeled in the second period to make one of the 32 saves that backstopped the Panthers to a 2-0 win over the Edmonton Oilers.
This angle of Sergei Bobrovsky's ridiculous save 😳
Bobrovsky's 32-save shutout also marked the first blank sheet ever posted by a Panthers goaltender in the Stanley Cup Final.
He is now the first goaltender since 1945 to earn shutouts in Game 1 of both the Final and the previous round, per the Associated Press' Josh Dubow.
The records don't stop there. The 35-year-old is the oldest goaltender to ever begin a Stanley Cup Final with a shutout. The feat additionally marks just the seventh time in the last 76 years a goaltender has completed a shutout in Game 1 of the Final, per NHL Media.
It's also the key reason the Panthers have their first Stanley Cup Final series lead in franchise history.
The historic shutout was especially impressive given how much the Oilers dominated play Saturday, particularly when outshooting the Panthers 25-12 through the first two periods.
You can't say the Oilers aren't getting their chances. Bobrovsky is the first three stars so far.
Carter Verhaeghe opened scoring in the first period.
Evan Rodrigues notched an insurance goal halfway through the second, as the Oilers' second defense pairing of Darnell Nurse and Cody Ceci were unable to limit Bennett on a dump-and-chase.
What a play by Sam Bennett to set up Evan Rodrigues. Smart play to flip it in and chase it down, and then get rid of it quickly. Defensive coverage lacking, of course, but that's an elite play by Bennett no matter what.
McDavid and Leon Draisaitl combined for a total of 10 shots on goal, but were unable to beat Bobrovsky before Eetu Luostarinen finished off the game with an empty-net dagger.
The Oilers will look to score their first goal of the Final when the puck drops for Game 2 in Sunrise on Monday at 8 p.m. ET.
Throughout the Florida Panthers' run to the 2023-24 Stanley Cup Final, several things have been clear. The team is deeper than last year's iteration that fell…
Matthew Tkachuk, Panthers Beat Rangers, Hyped By NHL Fans for Taking ECF Series Lead
May 31, 2024
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 30: Igor Shesterkin #31 of the New York Rangers defends the net against Anton Lundell #15 of the Florida Panthers during the third period in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 30, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Matthew Tkachuk and the Florida Panthers put together a dominant third period Thursday night at Madison Square Garden to place themselves within one win of the Stanley Cup Final.
Sam Bennett scored the difference-maker into the New York Rangers' empty net to seal both a 3-2 Panthers victory and a 3-2 Eastern Conference Finals lead.
Tarasenko has not had a great series but his screen made the Lundell goal happen. More bounce in his game in the last two games. Big factor for the Cats having 3 effective lines.
First line wasn’t on top of it. It was the Lundell line with Bennett and Bob had his best game of the series considering the stakes. (yes I know he had a game 1 shutout) Team win.
A late goal by Mika Zibanejad wasn't enough to erase the deficit, and Florida goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky finished the outing having allowed two or fewer goals for the fourth time in the five-game series.
Bobrovsky your star tonight. He was great.
— Sports Pessimist (@sportspessimism) May 31, 2024
The Panthers are now one victory away from the Stanley Cup Final, and their dominant third period left some fans convinced they would get that final win.
Rangers look like defeated. Panthers are a lot closer than one win away from the Final.
The Panthers have been the better team in all five games. They have dominated 5v5, have had better depth, and have made most of the Rangers’ top stars ineffective. If it wasn't for Shesterkin, this series would already be over.
This would mark the second consecutive season Florida has capped with a trip to the Final. In 2024, the team lost their title bid in five games to the Vegas Golden Knights.
If the Panthers get another win here, they’ll be the first Stanley Cup runner-up to get back to the Final the next year since the 2009 Pittsburgh Penguins.
The Rangers will meanwhile need a road victory in order to keep their playoff hopes alive when the puck drops for Game 6 at 8 p.m. ET at Amerant Bank Arena in Florida.
Panthers Tie ECF vs. Panarin, Rangers as NHL Fans Celebrate Sam Reinhart's OT Goal
May 29, 2024
SUNRISE, FL - MAY 28: Florida Panthers center Sam Reinhart (13) celebrates his overtime game winning goal during game four of the Eastern Conference Finals between the New York Rangers and the Florida Panthers on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Fla. (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Sam Reinhart's overtime game-winner propelled the Florida Panthers to a 3-2 victory over the visiting New York Rangers to knot the Eastern Conference Final at two games apiece on Tuesday.
The Panthers went on the power play after Rangers right wing Blake Wheeler was called for hooking on center Aleksander Barkov just 59 seconds into the extra session.
After Florida won the faceoff, the puck found its way to defenseman Brandon Montour, who slotted a pass to Barkov on the goal line.
Barkov then quickly fired the puck to Reinhart, who was waiting in the inner half of the right faceoff circle. The 28-year-old center then shot a one-timer past Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin, who finished with 38 saves.
The Panthers dominated the last two periods, posting 27 shots on goal to the Rangers' 10. Florida broke through twice in the second period, scoring off a Sam Bennett even-strength tally and a Carter Verhaeghe power-play goal.
Those goals swung the momentum away from the Rangers, who grabbed it in the first period after center Vincent Trocheck one-timed an Artemi Panarin pass for a power-play score that clipped the underside of the crossbar before going in.
Despite being out-shot 13-5 in the third period, the Rangers scored the final regulation frame's lone goal when Alexis Lafrenière paid off a beautiful back-handed setup from defenseman Adam Fox.
Neither team could break through in the remainder of regulation, leading to the series' third straight overtime matchup. The Rangers won the first two, but Reinhart stopped that streak cold with a quick OT goal.
Fans were impressed with the effort:
Great shot by Reinhart it was gonna take a perfect shot to beat Igor
Thank god Sam Reinhart lifted the puck. That’s the key. Lift it.
— Sports Pessimist (@sportspessimism) May 29, 2024
Absolutely was having an anxiety attack thinking the Rags may be up 3 games to 1 when we are spanking them every game. Thank you barkov and Reinhart #Timetohunt
Game 5 will take place on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET in New York. Game 6 will follow on Saturday in Florida. Game 7, if necessary, will go down Monday at 8 p.m.
