The Florida Panthers are on the cusp of making history as they eye their first-ever Stanley Cup victory. With Game 7 of the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Final set to drop the puck at 8 p.m. ET at the Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Fla., the stakes could not be higher for the home team and their fans.
The Panthers, who have a postseason record of 15-8, took an early stranglehold on the series by winning the first three games but have since allowed the Edmonton Oilers to claw back and force a decisive Game 7. This turn of events has created an electrifying atmosphere as the Panthers look to finally overcome the franchise’s history of disappointment in Stanley Cup Finals, having lost their first two appearances.
Home Ice Advantage and High Stakes
The game presents a golden opportunity for the Panthers to deliver a monumental win on home ice. They are slightly favored with odds at -111, while the over/under for total goals stands at 5.5. A key player to watch will be Carter Verhaeghe, who has had a remarkable postseason with 10 goals and nine assists over 23 games. Verhaeghe has built on his strong regular season performance, where he amassed 34 goals and 38 assists.
Anton Lundell is another Panther showing promise. With four assists in the series and a total of three goals and 13 assists in the playoffs, Lundell has proven himself a crucial facilitator for his team. His regular season tally stood at 13 goals and 22 assists over 78 games, indicating his consistent contribution.
Oilers' Battle for a Sixth Cup
On the other side of the ice, the Edmonton Oilers, priced narrowly at -109, are vying to clinch their sixth Stanley Cup championship. Edmonton’s road record is worth noting, as the game total has gone under in 28 of their last 43 away games and in 55 of their last 90 games overall. The Oilers will need their star players to shine brightly under the pressure.
Connor McDavid has been nothing short of sensational this postseason, racking up 42 points through eight goals and 34 assists. McDavid has shown he can deliver when it matters most; he scored twice and assisted on two more goals in Game 5, while also contributing a goal and three assists in Game 4, and a goal with an assist in Game 6 against the Dallas Stars.
Leon Draisaitl has complemented McDavid effectively, posting 10 goals and 21 assists in the playoffs. He has had standout performances throughout, including two goals and two assists in the Western Conference Finals, and three goals with nine assists in the second round against Vancouver. His regular season was equally impressive, with 41 goals and 65 assists totaling 106 points over 81 games.
The Historic Showdown
This final game is set to be a gripping conclusion to an already thrilling series. The Panthers’ aspiration to secure their first Stanley Cup juxtaposes sharply with the Oilers' quest for a sixth title, adding layers of narrative to what promises to be a memorable clash. The Florida team must overcome their past and capitalize on their home advantage, while Edmonton seeks to draw on their wealth of experience and resolve.
As the clock ticks down to puck drop, the tension and excitement around the Amerant Bank Arena continue to build. Both teams have proven their mettle, and all eyes will be on whether the Panthers can make history or if the seasoned Oilers will once again rise to the occasion. In a series marked by fluctuating fortunes, the ultimate accolade hangs tantalizingly in the balance, waiting for the heroics that define champions.