This is what it is going to take for the Oilers to get this Stanley Cup Finals back to Edmonton
Article content
Here they are:
Yes, you need to stay out of the box. But you can not let change your game, either. Play with intelligence and passion, but not with fear.
The Panthers will smell blood in the water. They are the defending Stanley Cup Champions. This will be the hardest game for Edmonton to win. They need to be ready to go.
This is a repeat, as I have written it before, but it still applies: The Oilers need to swing a forward deep to help deal with Florida's forecheck. Having a ten-foot option lessens how often the Oilers' D-men need to attempt a stretch pass.
The Oilers' Power Play needs some puck luck. I see this team getting their looks with the man advantage. And the fancy stats in terms of expected goals bears that out. With or without Zach Hyman, Edmonton has the manpower to do it. But another 0-3 start is not an option.
I would begin with both Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl on the same line. It is critical that the Oilers not chase this game. They have had to do so most of this series. So, give yourself the best possible opportunity to score first. Then you can roll lines. More on those two in a minute…
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