For the first time in their history, the Florida Panthers enjoy a series lead in the Stanley Cup Final in their third appearance as one of the final two National Hockey League teams standing. They've frustrated the Edmonton Oilers in the first two games, holding their vaunted offensive attack to a single goal in 120 minutes of play and now find themselves only two victories away from their first-ever championship.
The first two games for Florida were played in the friendly confines of their home ice at Amerant Bank Arena, and after some travel delays to northern Alberta, they've arrived in Edmonton where the series will continue at Rogers Place in Games 3 and 4. With the way that the Panthers have smothered the top talent of the Oilers, few analysts believe that there's a chance the series could turn around. What exactly do we have in store for Game 3?
Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov will suit up and be as effective as ever
Panthers fans everywhere held their collective breath during a tense moment in Game 2 when team captain and defensive forward specialist Aleksander Barkov was victimized by a questionable high hit from Edmonton's Leon Draisaitl; he lay on the ice in clear discomfort and was removed from the game. Meanwhile, Draisaitl didn't receive any punishment from the on-ice officials, nor from the NHL Department of Player Safety.
Naturally, questions arose as to the severity of the potential ailment Barkov suffered as a result of the hit, with speculation building that he may have suffered anything from a broken jaw to a possible concussion. But the good news for the Panthers is that Barkov participated in their most recent practice session, and also traveled with the team to Edmonton.
According to head coach Paul Maurice, Barkov is likely to be given the green light to suit up for Game 3, per Adam Lichtenstein of the Sun-Sentinel.
“It’s the driver of my mood, right?” Maurice said. “You go through that — fear maybe is the right word. Nobody wants to lose their captain. You don’t know if you have or not for a block of time, then you find out there’s a good chance you’re not going to. Then you’re in a much better mood.”
The current Selke Trophy winner as the NHL's best defensive forward (the second time in his career he's won the award), Barkov has drawn high praise from all circles of hockey for his relentless backchecking and leadership, with Wayne Gretzky going so far as to say he's the best defensive forward he's seen since Hall of Famer Brian Trottier, via David Dwork of The Hockey News.
“I just said to my wife during the first period, ‘Number 16 is the best defensive hockey player I’ve seen since Brian Trottier,'” Gretzky proclaimed. “I got Brian Trottier four games and what did I get? No goals. And what did we get? No Cup.”
Matthew Tkachuk will break through
One of the most valuable players on the Panthers roster, forward Matthew Tkachuk has built up a reputation throughout his NHL career of racking up offensive numbers and getting under opponents' skin simultaneously – a combination that any team would kill for.
In his second regular season with the Panthers, Tkachuk's numbers dipped slightly, and it's been the same story in the postseason. Last season, he registered 11 goals and 13 assists in 20 contests; so far through 19 games in the 2024 postseason, he's scored just five goals while also adding 14 assists.
Tkachuk hasn't found the scoresheet now in four full games dating back to the Eastern Conference Final against the New York Rangers. Look for him to break out in Game 3 as the Panthers will be attempting to take a three games to none stranglehold.
Sergei Bobrovsky will remain a brick wall
Bobrovsky has been a brick wall between the pipes for the Panthers and has firmly thrust himself into the conversation to be named the Conn Smythe Trophy winner as the most valuable player in the postseason should Florida emerge victorious. While the chances of Oilers offensive stars like Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Zach Hyman have been limited, Bobrovsky has shut them down when they got prime chances in Games 1 and 2.
Bobrovsky will almost certainly have to help his team weather a storm at the beginning of Game 3, as Rogers Place will be packed with rowdy fans. The Oilers are going to attempt to feed off their energy and will themselves back into the series – but Panthers fans can rest assured that they have the best in the business to get them through it unscathed.
Follow Us
Subscribe