The Edmonton Oilers looked very strong in the first three rounds of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. They beat the Los Angeles Kings, Vegas Golden Knights, and Dallas Stars with confidence and control. Though there were a few shaky moments, they quickly bounced back and showed they were in charge.
But now, things have changed. In the Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers, the Oilers are struggling. They seem nervous and unsure. Instead of playing their usual confident game, they are reacting to the Panthers’ tricks and physical play. As a result, they are now down 2-1 in the series.
Panthers Playing Their Game – And It’s Working
The Florida Panthers are known for playing a rough and aggressive style. They try to provoke their opponents and make them lose focus. This strategy has worked well for them throughout the playoffs. The only team that managed to push back was the Toronto Maple Leafs, and even they lost in the end.
The Oilers should have been ready for this. They knew what Florida was going to do. Yet, in Game 2 and Game 3, they fell into the Panthers’ trap. Instead of staying calm and focused, they got into fights and gave Florida too many chances to score on the power play.
Power Plays Make the Difference
In Game 3, Florida had 11 power plays and scored three goals from them. Edmonton only scored once from their six power plays. The Panthers ended up winning that game 6-1, and the Oilers lost control.
After the game was clearly out of hand, the Oilers got into a big fight, which some fans saw as a sign of spirit. But honestly, it looked more like a team that had lost its cool. The Panthers had gotten under their skin and were clearly in control.
What the Oilers Need to Change
If the Oilers want to win the series, they must stay focused and disciplined. They can’t allow Florida’s troublemakers, like Sam Bennett, to distract them. Players need to stay calm, especially after the whistle.
Even before the final started, player Trent Frederic gave good advice: avoid reacting to the Panthers’ mind games. He said, “You have to stay away from the stuff after whistles… we can’t fall into their trap.” That’s exactly what the Oilers need to remember.
In Game 1, when Edmonton stayed calm, they looked solid and won. Florida had only two power plays, while the Oilers had four. That was their style of hockey – clean, focused, and smart. But in Game 3, it was chaos. And if that continues, Edmonton might lose the final again.
The Edmonton Oilers are a great team with strong players and a powerful offense. But they must play smart to win the Stanley Cup. The Florida Panthers know how to frustrate their opponents and make them lose control.
If Edmonton falls into that trap again, they could lose this series. However, if they stick to their game, stay calm, and avoid penalties, they still have a good chance to come back and fight for the Cup.
