Latest news with #StanleyCupFinals
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
"Oilers are the second-best hockey team": Mattias Ekholm's wife Ida offers comfort to Oilers fans after Stanley Cup dreams shatter
Mattias Ekholm's wife shares touching open letter with Oilers fans (Instagram/@ibjornstad) The Edmonton Oilers' dream of clinching the Stanley Cup came to a devastating end yet again, this time in Game 6 against the Florida Panthers. With a 5-1 loss sealing a 4-2 series defeat, the heartbreak ran deep — not just among players and fans, but also within the families who've stood by through every exhausting moment. Mattias Ekholm 's wife praises Oilers Nation with raw, emotional letter after crushing Stanley Cup loss Amid the emotional wreckage, one voice quietly stood out — not from the locker room, but from the sidelines. Ida Björnstad, wife of Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm and a respected Swedish sports journalist, took to Instagram to deliver a deeply moving message that resonated far beyond the final score. 'As you might know, I'm a writer, and I love to put my thoughts into sentences and stories,' Ida began, in a post that felt more like a journal entry than a public statement. 'Most of my texts stay with me. This time, though, I would like to share some words with you.' Her post was more than a show of support; it was a heartfelt window into the emotional toll a Stanley Cup run takes on not only players but also their families. Ida's perspective came not as a reporter, but as a partner who's been living the ups and downs of the season behind closed doors. 'I know how much hockey means to the Canadian people, and I understand that the people in Edmonton are heartbroken today, including our family,' she wrote, capturing the collective disappointment that enveloped the city after the Oilers fell short again. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Scam Exposed: What They Won't Tell You about zero trust! Expertinspector Click Here Undo She went on to highlight the intense mental and physical demands that playoff hockey imposes: 'Throughout the playoffs, many things are happening behind the scenes. Boundaries are being pushed in the most demanding way, both physically and mentally. For the players and their families, everything is about maximizing the chances of winning.' Despite flashes of brilliance from Edmonton — including two hard-fought overtime wins — the Panthers controlled much of the series. Edmonton was behind for a record-setting 255 minutes and 49 seconds and was outscored 28-17 overall. Game 6 saw Florida dominate early, with the Oilers unable to find their rhythm again. Still, Ida chose to focus on the positives. 'For two years in a row, we have made it to the Stanley Cup Finals. The Oilers are the second-best hockey team in the world, and we have fans who support this team in both good times and bad. There is so much to be proud of and thankful for.' And in her final thought, she reminded everyone of the bigger picture: 'As much as it hurts when you lose, this is a journey we will look back on one day, reflecting on the highs and lows and understanding that everything made sense.' As the Oilers now prepare for a pivotal offseason, Ida's message offers something rare — a sense of grace and perspective in the face of loss, reminding fans why they fell in love with this team in the first place. Also Read: Wayne Gretzky loved Panthers' Cup win over Oilers but also admits one part didn't sit right Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Wayne Gretzky warning sends Edmonton Oilers fans into panic after another Stanley Cup defeat
Wayne Gretzky warning sends Edmonton Oilers fans into panic after another Stanley Cup defeat (Image Source: Getty Images) The Edmonton Oilers fell short again in the Stanley Cup Final, and fans were not the only ones disappointed. Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, who once led the team to glory, had some strong words after the loss. The comments came right after the Oilers lost to the Florida Panthers in Game 6. But what exactly did Gretzky say that got everyone talking? Wayne Gretzky questions Oilers' goalie decision after Game 6 loss On Tuesday, June 18, 2025, the Edmonton Oilers lost 5-1 to the Florida Panthers in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final. The match took place at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida. Stuart Skinner started in goal for Edmonton after being benched in Games 4 and 5. He stopped 20 out of 23 shots, but Florida added two empty-net goals in the third period, making the final score look even worse. After the game, Wayne Gretzky appeared on Turner Sports to talk about what went wrong. Gretzky, who played for the Oilers from 1979 to 1988 and helped them win four Stanley Cups, didn't hold back. He focused on the team's goalie situation. 'Is this our goalie or not? They gotta solidify that,' Gretzky said. 'You can't go into Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals and switch your goaltenders. That's very rare that it's ever happened. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 유일한 공식 무료 SOC 게임! 설치도 없습니다! 경복의 바다 게임 플레이 Undo ' His comments pointed to the uncertainty the Oilers showed when they changed goalies during the most important games of the season. While Skinner was chosen again for Game 6, the earlier decisions raised concerns for Gretzky and many others watching. Edmonton Oilers struggle again in the Stanley Cup Final The loss marked the second year in a row that the Edmonton Oilers were defeated by the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final. They also came up short in 2024. The team's last championship win came back in 1990, just two years after they traded Gretzky to the Los Angeles Kings. Since then, the Oilers have had ups and downs but haven't been able to return to the top. Also Read: Dustin Johnson's Golf Struggles Spark Outrage As Paulina Gretzky Praises Father Wayne Gretzky In Viral Post The goalie change was just one part of the problem, but it stood out the most. Many fans and experts believe that the team needs a clear plan for their starting goalie if they want to win a title again. Wayne Gretzky's words have added more pressure on the Oilers to fix their issues before the next season begins. Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Matthew Tkachuk's sister Taryn Tkachuk's Instagram post sparks debate with Connor McDavid's wife Lauren Kyle
Matthew Tkachuk's sister Taryn Tkachuk's Instagram post sparks debate with Connor McDavid's wife Lauren Kyle (Image Source: Getty Images) After the Florida Panthers celebrated winning their second Stanley Cup in a row, something unexpected grabbed fans' attention online. It wasn't just the trophy or the on-ice action people started talking about a quiet but clear online moment involving the families of two big NHL stars. A post made by Matthew Tkachuk's sister, Taryn, is now being linked to a message shared earlier by Connor McDavid's wife, Lauren Kyle. But why are people talking about it? Taryn Tkachuk shares Stanley Cup photos after Panthers victory sparks online reaction On Wednesday, June 19, 2025, Taryn Tkachuk posted photos on Instagram after her brother Matthew and the Florida Panthers won the Stanley Cup. The photos were taken at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida, just hours after the team lifted the trophy by winning the final in Game 6. The first picture showed Taryn with her brothers—Matthew, holding the Stanley Cup, and Brady, who plays for the Ottawa Senators. The second image was Matthew celebrating on the ice. The third was a photo with their father, Keith Tkachuk, and the team's famous rat mascot. Fans soon saw the post, mostly due to its scheduling. Lauren Kyle, Connor McDavid's wife, posted something on her own Instagram tale just few days earlier on Tuesday, June 17 following the Oilers' Game 4 loss to the Panthers. She shared a screenshot talking about how Alberta has been 'rat-free' since 1950. The post didn't have a caption, but many believed it was a quiet shot at the Panthers' rat tradition. Connor McDavid's wife Lauren Kyle mentioned Alberta rat rule before Taryn's post Florida Panthers fans throw plastic rats on the ice after goals. This started in 1995 after a player killed a rat in the locker room and scored twice that night. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Scam Exposed: What They Won't Tell You about zero trust! Expertinspector Click Here Undo It became known as the 'rat trick.' The team's identity has been tied to rats ever since. Some players, like Matthew Tkachuk and Brad Marchand, are even called 'rats' for their playing style, aggressive, pesky, and fearless. Also Read: 'It's Difficult For People To Realize': Lauren Kyle Opens Up About Heartbreaking Reality Of Life With Connor McDavid During Stanley Cup Finals Many people saw Lauren Kyle's post about Alberta being rat-free as a dig at the Panthers' identity. Taryn Tkachuk's post came soon after, showing full support for her brother and the team's tradition. Matthew Tkachuk played through injury in the playoffs. He said via CBS Sports, 'I tore my adductor off the bone and had some hernia thing.' Still, he scored 23 points in 23 games and helped the Panthers become back-to-back champions. Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Newsweek
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Bruins Emerging as Potential Suitor to Steal Connor McDavid
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Edmonton Oilers and superstar Connor McDavid suffered heartbreak once again this season. Despite making a second straight run to the Stanley Cup Finals, the Oilers came up short again. After losing to the Florida Panthers in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final in Game 7, Edmonton once again faced the Panthers this year. While the result wasn't exactly the same, the Oilers fell once again. This time, Edmonton lost the series 4-2. Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers reacts after scoring a short-handed goal against the Vegas Golden Knights in the first period of their game at T-Mobile Arena on February 06, 2024 in Las Vegas,... Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers reacts after scoring a short-handed goal against the Vegas Golden Knights in the first period of their game at T-Mobile Arena on February 06, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. More Photo byMcDavid put together another masterful season for the Oilers. He left everything he had on the ice and the team had a magical run in the playoffs, but it just wasn't enough. Following another major letdown, all eyes are turning to next offseason. McDavid's contract is set to run out, and he will be able to explore free agency if he chooses to do so. There is also a chance that he could sign a long-term extension with Edmonton this offseason. He spoke out about a potential extension after the Game 6 loss in the Stanley Cup Final. "If I feel that there's a good window to win here over and over again, then signing is no problem," he said. Should he choose to pass on signing an extension, many teams would love to pursue him in free agency next offseason. Bleacher Report analyst Adam Gretz has taken a look at some teams that could try to lure McDavid away from the Oilers. One of the teams that he mentioned as a possibility is none other than the Boston Bruins. "Even though they have rapidly arrived in the NHL's mushy middle of mediocrity, the Bruins do not seem prepared to start rebuilding or tearing things down. To be more than what they were this past season and more than what their roster figures to look like this upcoming season, they'll need a game-changing No. 1 center," Gretz wrote. "That has been their biggest need since Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci retired, and the likes of Casey Mittelstadt, Pavel Zacha and Elias Lindholm are not going to satisfy it. McDavid obviously would. The Bruins are in a big market and are an Original Six franchise that still has eyes on winning. That could potentially be appealing to McDavid." A move seeing McDavid take his talents to the Bruins would change the landscape of the NHL. It would also immediately make Boston a contender. While this is just a suggestion at this point in time, McDavid's future will be talked about a lot in the coming months.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Panthers GM Reveals Offseason Spending Plans Ahead of Free Agency
Panthers GM Reveals Offseason Spending Plans Ahead of Free Agency originally appeared on Athlon Sports. After winning back-to-back Stanley Cups, the Florida Panthers are staring down a critical offseason that could make or break their chances of completing a three-peat next year. Advertisement Three key members of the Panthers — forwards Brad Marchand and Sam Bennett and defenseman Aaron Ekblad — are heading into unrestricted free agency, barring a contract-extension agreement before July 1. Panthers general manager Bill Zito, however, made the organization's approach clear and revealed the big plans within Florida less than two weeks before that date: the Panthers aren't backing down, and the franchise is ready to spend. "We're going to spend to the cap," Zito said during an appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" on Wednesday. "The Viola family ownership has empowered us to try to do everything we can to have the best team we can. "So we're going to spend it all." The Panthers' core, which added Marchand via mid-season trade, has now appeared in three consecutive Stanley Cup Finals, winning the last two, and cementing themselves as a true NHL dynasty. Advertisement But with outside interest growing in Florida's key players—especially Bennett, who just won the Conn Smythe, and Marchand, possibly the best trade-deadline acquisition ever—Zito knows the challenge to keep everyone in tow. 'It's just trying to keep everybody together and have a meaningful team,' Zito said. 'And if players sign up to come here, we want to be able to also have other good players, so hopefully they can appreciate that.' Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett (9) is going to be an unrestricted free agent on July Belski-Imagn Images Zito also acknowledged Florida's off-ice advantage because of the no-tax market the Panthers play in, and other things such as the warm Florida weather. 'There's the hockey piece, but the environmental piece, I'll call it, the weather, the fun, the flip flops—that's all part of it,' Zito said. 'It's too hard to not be happy when you're at the rink.' Advertisement The Panthers enter the offseason with $19 million available in cap space. That said, Daily Faceoff projects Marchand to sign a contract with a cap hit of $5.1 million, Ekblad for an AAV of $7.8 million, and Bennett for $6.4 million, which would amount to a combined $19.3 million, slightly over the Panthers' current room. Related: Panthers' Brad Marchand Addresses Future Immediately After Winning Stanley Cup Related: Connor McDavid Doesn't Hesitate to Point Out Oilers' Mistake in Stanley Cup Loss This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
