The highly anticipated Stanley Cup Final Game 3 between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers is just around the corner, and it still has hope to be a thrilling series filled with exciting storylines and impressive statistics. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key numbers that will define this matchup.
First, let’s talk goaltending. Stuart Skinner has been a standout for the Oilers, with a remarkable 1.81 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage over the past eight games. These numbers have been instrumental in the Oilers’ success, making Skinner one of the biggest reasons why they emerged as the best team in the Western Conference. On the other side, Sergei Bobrovsky has also been exceptional, with a 2.20 goals-against average that ranks him higher than every other goalie with double-digit starts this spring, except for Jeremy Swayman.
Coaching changes have played a significant role in these Finals. The Oilers had a slow start to the season, with a 2-9-1 record, leading to the firing of their head coach. The hiring of Kris Knoblauch sparked a resurgence for the team, including an eight-game win streak, and they haven’t looked back since. The Panthers, on the other hand, made it to the Finals last year but fell short. This year, they have made it back under new leadership, showcasing the impact that coaching changes can have on a team’s performance.
The historical context of this Final adds another layer of excitement. This is the Panthers’ third trip to the Stanley Cup Finals, and their second consecutive appearance. However, they have yet to win the Cup. The Oilers, on the other hand, have been in the Final seven times, winning it five times in a span of seven years from 1984 to 1990. Another victory this year would tie them with the Boston Bruins and Chicago Blackhawks for the third-most Cup wins in history.
Player milestones and draft picks also add to the excitement of this Final. Corey Perry will be representing his fifth different team in a Cup Final, which is a league record. Additionally, there are three first-overall draft picks on the ice in this matchup – Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Aaron Ekblad, and Connor McDavid. The top picks from the 2014 draft, including Ekblad, Sam Reinhart, Leon Draisaitl, and Sam Bennett, will also be showcasing their skills in this series.
The performances of both teams in the regular season meetings are worth noting. The Panthers won both games against the Oilers, outscoring them 10-4. However, the Oilers have been dominant in the playoffs, with 16 different goal-scorers and a plus-16 goal differential. The Panthers, known for their physicality, have accumulated a league-leading 739 hits in the playoffs.
Special teams will also be a factor in this Final. The Oilers have the top-ranked power play, with a 37.3 percent success rate, while their penalty kill has been stifling, operating at a 93.9 percent success rate. The Panthers boast the second-best penalty kill in the playoffs, at 88.2 percent.
Ultimately, this Final is not just a battle between two talented teams, but a clash of historical significance and individual achievements. The numbers behind this series paint a picture of two determined teams vying for hockey’s ultimate prize. As the series unfolds, these statistics will continue to shape the narrative and provide insights into the strategies, performances, and dynamics that will determine the outcome of this highly anticipated showdown on the ice.
Photo Credit; NHLPA.com, The Hockey News
***Are you interested in sports betting? If so make sure to use our promo code below where you can get your deposit matched (up to $1000), use promo code Sportz***
***Have you tried Dubby?? Are you looking for a Pre-Workout??
Use our promo code : WeLikeSportz for 10% off!
WE LIKE SPORTZ SHOW 