There was a really actual worry that the Stanley Cup Finals would devolve right into a sloppy mess after the violent and emotional Recreation 3 resulted in one of many worst video games we’ve seen within the playoffs. Thursday night time assuaged these fears with a fully gorgeous 9 purpose recreation, with the Oilers finally prevailing in time beyond regulation, successful 5-4.
With the collection now tied at 2-2 it’s a best-of-three to hoist the cup. It’s been a case of punch and counterpunch, each metaphorically and bodily, however inside that there’s been a couple of key causes this collection has been so rattling good.
No. 1: Leon Draisaitl
One of the vital missing components of the 2024 Stanley Cup Finals was that the Oilers’ stars simply didn’t present up exterior of Connor McDavid. The Panthers efficiently managed to comprise Leon Draisaitl, eradicating one in all Edmonton’s most essential gamers — and ultimately Draisaitl and managed to get simply 5 factors within the collection.
This time he’s managing to thrive. Draisaitl has 4 objectives and three assists, turning into crucial participant on the ice for the Oilers within the collection. In the meantime McDavid and Evan Bouchard are nonetheless exhibiting up, and it’s giving the vibe that Edmonton’s star energy would possibly simply have the ability to do it this time round.
No. 2: Florida’s ludicrous depth
We knew this might be a collection outlined by top-end star energy in opposition to depth, however the Panthers are actually placing that on show. A complete of 5 gamers have notched 5+ factors this collection, with one other three registering 4 factors.
Florida was extra top-heavy final yr, however in 2025 have discovered a strategy to distribute the puck successfully and it’s made an enormous distinction. It’s additionally clear that the addition of Brad Marchand on the commerce deadline was among the finest strikes by any group this season, as a result of he’s completely in sync with each the Panthers playstyle, and his teammates.
If the Panthers are capable of repeat he will likely be an enormous cause why.
No. 3: These groups can rating out of anyplace
This has been a collection the place you possibly can’t look away for a second otherwise you’ll miss one thing. Recreation 4 was an ideal instance, with Florida scoring three first interval objectives, the Oilers answering with three second interval objectives — and eventually pushing one another to time beyond regulation.
That is largely how these two groups made it this far within the playoffs. They every have the flexibility to play at one gear, then punctuate their assault by shifting to a different stage in brief bursts. Watching each these groups go back-and-forth with them they hit the fuel has been a ton of enjoyable.
No. 4: They genuinely hate one another
When you could have a Stanley Cup Finals rematch there are certain to be lingering emotions, however these hit one other stage in 2025 the place each these organizations clearly detest one another. That has undoubtedly crossed the road at occasions, as we noticed in Recreation 3 when issues acquired ugly — however exterior of that it’s been a bodily collection the place the Oilers are determined to make one thing occur.
The drama of Edmonton attempting to develop into the primary Canadian group to win the cup since 1993 has added an entire different stage to this matchup, and can make the ultimate three video games must-watch TV.
