Breaking: Panthers Recall Another Sensational Star Ahead Of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final…

Breaking: Panthers Recall Another Sensational Star Ahead of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final

Key Takeaways from Panthers’ 4-1 Game 2 Win vs. Oilers

The Florida Panthers now lead the Stanley Cup Final 2-0, following a 4-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 2. After conceding the first goal to Edmonton’s initial shot on goal, Florida responded with four unanswered goals, including two from Evan Rodrigues. This performance marked Rodrigues as the first player in Panthers history to achieve a multi-goal game in the Stanley Cup Final.

Despite being shut out in Game 1 by Sergei Bobrovsky, the Oilers managed only one goal in Game 2, as Bobrovsky made 18 saves. This is the first time since February 2022 that Edmonton has been limited to one goal over two games. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who have dominated the playoff scoring race, have combined for just one point so far. As the series moves to Rogers Place on Thursday night, the Panthers’ chances of securing their first championship have increased to 91 percent, given that only five teams have ever come back from a 2-0 series deficit in the Stanley Cup Final.

With two days between games, let’s delve into some key takeaways from Game 2:

1. Special Teams Play a Significant Role in Panthers’ WinThe Oilers were close to tying and breaking the NHL record for consecutive penalty kills in the Stanley Cup Playoffs until Rodrigues scored a power-play goal in the third period. This was the first man-advantage goal Edmonton conceded since Game 3 of the second round against the Vancouver Canucks.
2.  

   https://x.com/BR_OpenIce/status/1800360376611099105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1800360376611099105%7Ctwgr%5Eccd5470b3ab468f47a9c87e2c2ce4616e6eabd33%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fsportsnaut.com%2F2024-stanley-cup-final-takeaways-panthers-4-1-game-2-win-oilers%2FConversely, the Oilers’ highly effective power play unit, led by McDavid, Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, and Evan Bouchard, has yet to score, going 0-for-7 in the series. Despite creating opportunities and challenging Bobrovsky, they have often misfired, with their passes being intercepted by Florida’s defense.

   Both teams rely heavily on their special teams, and so far, the Panthers have won this battle, contributing significantly to their 2-0 series lead. Even though they missed several power-play opportunities due to untimely penalties in Game 2, the Panthers managed to hold their ground both on the ice and the scoreboard.

3. Increased Physicality in Game 2After a relatively calm Game 1, tensions flared in Game 2 with questionable hits, cheap shots, and frequent physical altercations. Officiating was a major talking point postgame.

   Incidents included a headshot from Draisaitl on Aleksander Barkov, a low blow slash from Sam Carrick on Kevin Stenlund, and an Aaron Ekblad chokehold on Evan Bouchard. Additionally, Warren Foegel received a five-minute major and a game misconduct for kneeing Eetu Luostarinen in the first period.

   The teams are no longer feeling each other out. With scores to settle, the officiating in the upcoming games will be crucial to maintain control and prevent escalation.

4. Panthers’ Goaltending AdvantageSergei Bobrovsky recorded a shutout in Game 1 and has allowed just one goal over the first two games, boasting an impressive .980 save percentage. His stellar performance has been a key factor in the series so far.

   On the other hand, Oilers’ goalie Stuart Skinner, who led his team to their first Stanley Cup Final in 18 years, has struggled. After conceding a goal on the first shot in Game 1 and finishing with a .893 save percentage, he allowed several goals in Game 2, with a .888 save percentage over the two games.

5. Injury Concerns Ahead of Game 3Injuries have become a significant concern. Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse appeared to sustain or reaggravate a hip injury and played only 4:20. His status for Game 3 remains uncertain.

   Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov took a hit to the jaw from Draisaitl and did not return after the third period. However, he was back at practice on Wednesday, indicating a possible return for Game 3.

   Warren Foegel’s knee-on-thigh hit on Eetu Luostarinen resulted in a game misconduct for Foegel, but Luostarinen returned to play despite reduced ice time. Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad briefly left the game after an entanglement with McDavid but returned to finish the game.

   As the series progresses, the health and availability of key players will be closely monitored, and potential lineup changes could be pivotal.