Florida Panthers 5 Keys to Winning the Stanley Cup Final
Grant White
Host · Writer
Learn From Last Year's Mistakes
This is largely the same team that lost decisively in last year's Stanley Cup Final against the Vegas Golden Knights. Florida can't dwell on its defeat, but it needs to learn from several important mistakes.
The Panthers were railroaded at five-on-five. By the end of the series, they were outscored 18-10, giving up three or more goals in all but one of those contests. Naturally, that correlated with ineffective defensive metrics. Florida gave up 12.8 quality chances per game, letting Vegas work freely in the attacking zone.
Although the Panthers won't face an identical attack from the Oilers, there are many similarities. Finding a way to limit Edmonton's attack is a lesson the Panthers should have learned last year. If they did, they could end the season as Stanley Cup Champions for the first time in franchise history.
Keep the Offensive Wheels Churning
When the Florida Panthers stepped onto the ice for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final against the New York Rangers, many thought the Rangers would assert themselves offensively. Ultimately, Florida reigned supreme and must build on those efforts in the Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers.
With its trove of talented offensive producers, New York should have given the Panthers more than they could handle. Instead, it was Florida that beat the Rangers at their own game. The Panthers didn't get out-chanced in high-danger opportunities once in the third round. Moreover, they hit double-digits in all but two outings, averaging 12.8 chances per game. Further, the Panthers posted a 65.8% high-danger chance rating throughout the series.
The offensive wheels can't stop now. Edmonton's offense is one of the best, but as we've witnessed, the Panthers can force the Oilers to play their way.
Knock Connor McDavid Off His Stride
It's no secret that Connor McDavid drives the Oilers' success. Already, he has 31 points in 18 playoff games and is the undisputed leader in the Oilers locker room. Getting under his skin and knocking him off his stride gives the Panthers the best chance of claiming their first Stanley Cup in franchise history.
The Vancouver Canucks offered the blueprint for how to contain McDavid. The Oilers captain was held to one or fewer points in five of the seven second-round games, constantly getting stymied by the Canucks top defenders and checkers.
Florida has a deep bench it can turn to against McDavid. Limiting his production needs to be a fundamental part of the Panthers' game plan.
Protect Sergei Bobrovsky
When the Panthers inked Sergei Bobrovsky to a seven-year $70 million contract, they knew he came with an underwhelming playoff record. Five years into that deal, the Russian goalie has done nothing to disprove those concerns. Still, we've seen him shine at moments this postseason, and Florida needs to protect their netminder from the impending Oilers attack.
Bobrovsky has benefitted from the improved structure in front of him. So far this postseason, the Panthers have limited opponents to an average of 18.2 scoring and 8.5 high-danger chances per game. Coincidentally, this has also been the best playoffs of Bobrovsky's career, allowing a paltry 2.20 goals against average with an above-average 90.8% save percentage.
The Panthers can't afford to hang their goalie out to dry and emerge triumphant. Sustained defensive efforts should be the stepping-off point for Florida's game planning.
Make the Most of Home Ice Advantage
The Panthers have a home-ice advantage in the Stanley Cup Final due to their sterling regular season. That means they don't need to win a road game to drink out of Lord Stanley's Mug. They must wield that advantage unmercifully to limit the Oilers' potential.
More important than having a raucous crowd at your back is using last change for ideal line matchups. That means Paul Maurice can send out his top defenders on McDavid, deploy his top scorers in the attacking zone, or get his preferred pairings on the ice under any circumstances.
Maurice will carefully consider his line changes. With the home crowd behind them, that might be enough to push the Panthers over the edge.
Learn From Last Year's Mistakes
This is largely the same team that lost decisively in last year's Stanley Cup Final against the Vegas Golden Knights. Florida can't dwell on its defeat, but it needs to learn from several important mistakes.
The Panthers were railroaded at five-on-five. By the end of the series, they were outscored 18-10, giving up three or more goals in all but one of those contests. Naturally, that correlated with ineffective defensive metrics. Florida gave up 12.8 quality chances per game, letting Vegas work freely in the attacking zone.
Although the Panthers won't face an identical attack from the Oilers, there are many similarities. Finding a way to limit Edmonton's attack is a lesson the Panthers should have learned last year. If they did, they could end the season as Stanley Cup Champions for the first time in franchise history.
Keep the Offensive Wheels Churning
When the Florida Panthers stepped onto the ice for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final against the New York Rangers, many thought the Rangers would assert themselves offensively. Ultimately, Florida reigned supreme and must build on those efforts in the Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers.
With its trove of talented offensive producers, New York should have given the Panthers more than they could handle. Instead, it was Florida that beat the Rangers at their own game. The Panthers didn't get out-chanced in high-danger opportunities once in the third round. Moreover, they hit double-digits in all but two outings, averaging 12.8 chances per game. Further, the Panthers posted a 65.8% high-danger chance rating throughout the series.
The offensive wheels can't stop now. Edmonton's offense is one of the best, but as we've witnessed, the Panthers can force the Oilers to play their way.
