2-2

Florida jumped into the lead 3-0 in the first period. The Oilers changed goalies and tied the game 3-3 in the second period. With about 7 minutes left in the game, the Oilers scored only for the Panthers to tie the game with 20 seconds left!

The Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl scored the stunning one-handed game-winning goal 11 minutes into overtime, flooring the Florida home team audience. In 20 playoff games, Draisaitl has 11 goals and 21 assists.

Never count out these Edmonton Oilers.

2-1 FL

The first two games were very close, with EDM pushing both games to OT. There goes my first prediction, only one OT in the series. EDM won the first, FL the second in double OT. FL ran over them in game 3, 6-1.

It was weird. After FL scored one minute into the game, EDM lost their mind. FL had all the confidence, EDM none. A conga line of stupid penalties, EDM couldn’t get any traction.

So, what happened? FL played like FL, and EDM didn’t play like EDM. It’s up to the Oilers to match the Panthers’ skill, or they will not win. They had to fight tooth and nail to push the first two games to OT, not FL. The odds of FL faltering are slim. That puts all of the pressure on EDM.

I was right about Florida, they overwhelmed Carolina. They made it look easy.

Edmonton turned it around after botching the first game and never looked back. It was impressive as Dallas never managed to regain their footing. What’s really crazy, in game 6 the Dallas coach pulled Otter after letting in 2 goals early in the first period but they weren’t his fault. DeSmith isn’t as good as Otter and I don’t see anyone thinking that it was anything but a rash and demoralizing decision.

So now we have our first Cup rematch since 2009. Last year FL took charge and Edmonton rallied back to force game 7, only to lose. But it was a run for the ages, their season was one massive rebound after having a horrible start.

So what’s the difference this season? I think FL is just as good as last year. Maybe a bit better from getting Brad Marchand from Boston. And they are very seasoned in the playoff broth, going all the way 3 years in a row.

Edmonton is absolutely better. And they’re not exhausted coming into the finals this year. Revenge is a powerful motivator, as is defending the championship. I think it’s so close it’ll come down to a goalie battle, which FL has the advantage in.

I can see this going 6-7 tough games. Any blowouts are unlikely. I’m rooting for Edmonton, but I think FL has the best betting odds. Now will the scores be close….one or two goal difference. I’d expect one game to go to OT. I think every game will be exciting.