There was genuine concern that the Stanley Cup final might spiral into chaotic mess after a particularly intense and rough Game 3, which many considered one of the worst playoff games. However, Thursday night brought a breath of fresh air with an exhilarating nine-goal showdown, where the Oilers clinched victory in overtime, finishing 5-4.
The series is now tied at 2-2, setting the stage for the best-of-three for the coveted cup. In terms of strategies, it was a back-and-forth exchange, demonstrating several significant factors behind the competitiveness of this series.
No. 1: Leon Draisaitl
One of the notable absences in the 2024 Stanley Cup Finals was the Oilers’ star outside of Conor McDavid. The Panthers’ plan to contain Leon Draisaitl successfully minimized his impact, resulting in only five points for him throughout the series.
This time, however, Draisaitl is flourishing. With four goals and three assists, he has become the key player for the Oilers in this series. Meanwhile, McDavid and Evan Bouchard continue to shine, giving the impression that Edmonton’s star power might just prevail.
No. 2: Florida’s Incredible Depth
We anticipated a matchup characterized by top-tier talent versus depth, and the Panthers have certainly shown their strength in this area. Five players have scored five or more points in the series, with three additional players contributing four points each.
Unlike last year when Florida seemed more reliant on a few stars, this year they’ve effectively spread the offensive load. It’s also apparent that acquiring Brad Marchand at the trade deadline has proven to be one of the smartest moves of the season.
If the Panthers maintain this momentum, he could play a significant role in their success.
No. 3: Scoring Threats from Everywhere
This series is one where you can’t afford to blink; there’s always something happening. Game 4 was a prime example, with Florida netting three early goals, only for the Oilers to respond with three in the second period, culminating in an overtime finish.
This is indicative of how both teams have performed in the playoffs so far. They have a knack for adjusting their pace, launching rapid bursts of offensive pressure. It was thrilling to watch both teams pushing their limits like that.
No. 4: Genuine Rivalry
Emotions run high in a Stanley Cup rematch, but in 2025, these teams have heightened their rivalry to a new level of animosity. As seen in the rough exchanges during Game 3, there were moments that definitely crossed the line, yet it was still a series marked by physical play, with the Oilers showing an urgent desire to seize their opportunity.
Edmonton’s quest to become the first Canadian team to win the Cup since 1993 adds an intriguing layer, transforming the final three games into must-watch events.
