Latest news with #StanleyCupFinal
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Oilers Player Makes Bold Stanley Cup Final Guarantee Before Game 6
Oilers Player Makes Bold Stanley Cup Final Guarantee Before Game 6 originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Edmonton Oilers trail the Florida Panthers 3-2 in the Stanley Cup Final heading into Game 6, scheduled for Tuesday in Sunrise, Florida. Advertisement To return to Canada with a chance to hoist the Cup, the Oilers must win on the road to force a decisive Game 7 back home. Despite falling 5-2 in Game 5 and being outplayed for long stretches, Oilers blueliner Jake Walman has no doubt the series will return to Edmonton, as he told The Athletic following Saturday's defeat while making a quite bold prediction — if not a straight guarantee. 'This was always going to be a long series,' Walman said. 'We're going to come back here after a game there, and that's it. 'There's no doubt.' Walman and fellow defenseman Mattias Ekholm had a rough outing on Saturday, as Florida outshot the Oilers' first defensive pairing. Advertisement Moreover, Florida's Brad Marchand beat Walman clean for both the opening goal and then the game-winner, the latter following an extraordinary move. Walman's confidence, however, hasn't wavered. 'It's frustrating when you come into the (dressing) room and you're down,' Walman said. 'We're struggling to get to our game right away. It takes us a little bit. I don't know what the reasoning is.' Edmonton Oilers left wing Evander Kane (91) reacts with left wing Viktor Arvidsson (33) after scoring a goal against the Florida Nelson-Imagn Images That slow-start trend should be a real concern for the Oilers, as Edmonton has trailed by at least two goals after the first period in each of the past three games. Game 6 is at 8 p.m. ET Tuesday night in Sunrise, and Walman has already made his bold prediction for what will happen on the ice come puck-drop time. Advertisement Related: NHL Makes Historic Connor McDavid Announcement Amid Stanley Cup Final Related: Don Cherry Makes Pick for 2025 Conn Smythe Trophy Winner This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Connor McDavid's Wife Reveals Truth About NHL Stress
Connor McDavid's Wife Reveals Truth About NHL Stress originally appeared on Athlon Sports. As the Edmonton Oilers prepare for a must-win Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, Connor McDavid's wife, Lauren Kyle, is preparing in her own way. Advertisement The wife of the Oilers captain was candid in an interview published by The Canadian Press on Monday, sharing both her superstitious routine and the emotional weight of being a "hockey wife," let alone being married to one of hockey's most scrutinized stars. Lauren said that she'll be watching Game 6 at her new business, Bar Trove, in her same heels, same red handbag, and same exact spot she stood when McDavid scored his first goal of the Stanley Cup Final in Game 5. "It's a feeling and, if anything positive happens, you got to stay in that position," Lauren said about her pre-game rituals. "It's really silly, but everyone has superstitions." Advertisement Lauren also spoke about her husband's own habits, although she chose not to reveal the details. "(Connor) does a lot of things before a game. He is extremely, extremely ritual-based," Lauren said. "But I'm going to actually leave that as a secret." Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) has rituals to follow before the games, his wife Lauren Kyle Wild-Imagn Images The couple often takes walks with their dog Leonard after home games, decompressing together with conversation and film. Lauren said they plan to keep doing the same going forward. 'We'll usually do a loop around the neighbourhood after games," Lauren said. "And then we usually watch a show and we chat.' Finally, Lauren acknowledged the unique strain that comes with being married to an NHL star. Advertisement "It's actually very difficult," Lauren said. "There's a lot of stress. There is such a strain on your family. People don't know about the struggles that are on the inside." McDavid will lead the Oilers onto the ice on Tuesday for a must-win Game 6, where Edmonton is playing for its life and aiming to force Game 7 back home. Related: NHL Makes Historic Connor McDavid Announcement Amid Stanley Cup Final Related: Connor McDavid Answers 'Pretty Heavy Question' on Stanley Cup Pressure This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Wayne Gretzky loved Panthers' Cup win over Oilers but also admits one part didn't sit right
Wayne Gretzky shares honest reaction to Panthers' win over Oilers (Getty Images) The Florida Panthers sealed their second consecutive Stanley Cup in spectacular fashion, and Sam Reinhart's unforgettable performance in Game 6 became the night's defining moment. With four goals to his name, Reinhart powered the Panthers to a 5-1 win over the Edmonton Oilers and etched his name alongside hockey royalty. Panthers' Stanley Cup celebration hits a sour note as Wayne Gretzky reveals one major complaint Reinhart's scoring spree not only clinched the Cup but also tied Wayne Gretzky's iconic 1985 record of seven goals in a single Final series. But in typical Gretzky fashion, the hockey legend met the moment with charm and humor rather than disappointment. 'My records this year are dropping like flies, Eddie O,' Gretzky quipped during the postgame broadcast to analyst Eddie Olczyk. His remark, filled with playful sarcasm, was met with a laugh as Olczyk assured him, 'You still got another 40 or 50, Gretz. You're OK.' — Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) While Gretzky's record may have taken a hit, his admiration for Reinhart was clear. The Panthers' forward accomplished this milestone while pushing through a Grade 2 MCL tear, an injury he sustained in the Eastern Conference Final. 'I can't really put into words what it means,' Reinhart reflected. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo 'It's something you never really think about... this one was even harder to overcome and be here at the end.' Two of Reinhart's goals came on empty nets, but the impact of his performance was undeniable. It was a statement game, one that cemented Florida's dominance and placed Reinhart among the elite. The victory made Florida the first team since the Tampa Bay Lightning's 2020–21 run to repeat as champions. But it was Reinhart's tenacity and historical achievement that stood out. As confetti fell and Florida celebrated on home ice, hockey fans witnessed a rare bridging of eras—where a modern-day warrior matched the mark of a hockey legend, and that legend, with a wink, tipped his cap. The 2025 Stanley Cup Final didn't just end with a trophy; it added a new chapter to the sport's most storied history. Also Read: Wayne Gretzky's daughter Paulina Gretzky's workout fit has fans raising eyebrows Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Connor McDavid rumors explode as Leon Draisaitl speaks on uncertain Edmonton Oilers future
After back-to-back Stanley Cup Final losses, questions are rising about Connor McDavid's future with the Edmonton Oilers. Fans are wondering if the team's biggest star will stay or move on. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Though McDavid hasn't said anything about leaving, the rumors are louder than ever. Now, after the team's second straight defeat to the Florida Panthers, teammate Leon Draisaitl has shared his honest thoughts and his answer might surprise you. Leon Draisaitl says he has not discussed Connor McDavid's future yet Leon Draisaitl spoke to the media on Tuesday, June 18, 2025, just one day after the Edmonton Oilers lost the Stanley Cup Final to the Florida Panthers in Game 6. The loss happened at Rogers Place in Edmonton. During a postgame interview, Draisaitl was asked directly if he knew anything about Connor McDavid's plans. 'I'm going to be honest,' Draisaitl said. 'I haven't really talked to Connor about it. There comes a time when we talk about it, but there's nothing I can tell you right now that you want to hear or need to hear.' Draisaitl made it clear that while he doesn't know what McDavid will do, he respects his teammate's decision. He added, 'That's his situation, and he will do what's best for him and his family. Do I want him here forever? Yes, of course. I think everybody does.' Draisaitl himself recently signed a contract extension that will keep him with the Oilers through the 2032–2033 NHL season. But McDavid has only one year left on his current deal and could request a trade if he wants a fresh start elsewhere. Connor McDavid praises Florida Panthers after back-to-back losses Connor McDavid also spoke after the final loss on Monday, June 17, 2025. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The Oilers had once again fallen to the Florida Panthers, who won the Cup for the second year in a row. Last year, Edmonton forced a Game 7. This year, it ended in Game 6. Also Read: 'They're a really good team,' McDavid said in the press conference. 'We kept saying we wanted to win a 2–1 game, and we never found a way to do that. They're deep. How many guys had 20-plus points in the postseason? Six? That says everything.' McDavid also said, 'Nobody quit, nobody gave up, but they're back-to-back champs for a reason.' Brad Marchand, who joined the Panthers this season, played a big role and was even in talks for the Conn Smythe Trophy.
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
'A king without a crown': Greg Cote destroys Connor McDavid's legacy for Wayne Gretzky comparisons after Stanley Cup failure
Greg Cote labels Connor McDavid as 'McOverrated' (Image via AP) Connor McDavid's hopes of solidifying his status among the all-time greats took another massive hit as the Edmonton Oilers fell to the Florida Panthers in the 2025 Stanley Cup Final. For the second straight year, the Oilers came up short, and once again, McDavid's performance underwhelmed when it mattered most. Greg Cote harshly dismisses Connor McDavid's G.O.A.T. case after second Stanley Cup Final loss After managing just one goal and five assists over the six-game series, many are beginning to wonder whether Connor McDavid can ever truly join the elite tier of players like Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, or Sidney Crosby. While McDavid remains one of the most electrifying players in hockey, the lack of a championship continues to shadow his legacy. Longtime critic Greg Cote didn't hold back in his latest column, slamming McDavid for his performance. 'I have written and said for two years that McDavid should not be called 'McJesus' or the next Gretzky or given G.O.A.T. status because he remains a king without a crown,' Cote said. 'The Panthers again have verified my claim, and served to underline my admittedly harsh nickname for McDavid: McOverrated.' Cote also pointed to McDavid's ineffectiveness during the Final: 'He might be the best player in hockey, but he was not the best player in this series, or even on his team, or good enough to elevate his team to be the best, either. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Concentrated Siberian Ginseng Extract 2oz Superior Ginseng Undo In the six final games, he managed but one goal and five assists. McJesus was not walking on (ice) water. He was mostly invisible.' The Florida Panthers' Aleksander Barkov's dominant two-way play was a major factor in limiting McDavid's impact, as Edmonton's top line was largely neutralized. Despite back-to-back Final losses and speculation about a potential departure, NHL insider Frank Seravalli believes McDavid isn't going anywhere. 'I fully expect… that Connor McDavid will be signing that eight-year extension with the Oilers at some point this summer,' Seravalli said on Sportsnet. Also Read: Wayne Gretzky creates controversy, blames Oilers' Stanley Cup collapse on unforgivable goalie decision With the salary cap projected to rise to $104 million by 2026-27, Edmonton will have the resources to lock in their captain. Still, the pressure to deliver a championship—and silence critics like Cote—has never been higher. Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
