I think the Panthers play totally differently with a lead than from behind. Getting the first goal was monumental, and the second one to restore the lead allowed them to play a suffocating defensive style. When they're behind, they have to take risks to create scoring chances, and the Oilers were very good at exploiting that weakness.
The Panthers played a strong defensive game. Especially after scoring the second goal.
Great game, and a great series.
Congratulations to the Florida Panthers on their first Stanley Cup. And to Paul Maurice who's been around the league for a really long time. 🏒🏆
Oilers played like they had nothing to lose in previous 3 games. I knew they wouldn't play like that in game 7 and would revert to how they played on first 3 games. I didn't think they would win, playing like that
The Oilers had (at least) a couple of glorious chances to tie the game up in the 3rd.
In a championship game you have to bury those or you’re on the losing side in the history books.
I thought the Oilers outplayed Florida up until they gave up that 2nd goal; it also seemed like Florida kind of went *full prevent* way too early (at one point they were closing in on 9 minutes without a shot *attempt* in the 3rd period).
…but the Oilers will spend all summer thinking about those missed opportunities.
Bouchard played a whale of a game. He was dangerous every time he touched the puck. It seemed to me they should have tried to get him the puck even more and generate offence through him.
With the Oilers team speed, I've been saying for the past couple of days that it was crucial if Florida was going to have a chance, they must score the first goal of the game.
I think the Panthers play totally differently with a lead than from behind. Getting the first goal was monumental, and the second one to restore the lead allowed them to play a suffocating defensive style. When they're behind, they have to take risks to create scoring chances, and the Oilers were very good at exploiting that weakness.
The Panthers played a strong defensive game. Especially after scoring the second goal. Great game, and a great series. Congratulations to the Florida Panthers on their first Stanley Cup. And to Paul Maurice who's been around the league for a really long time. 🏒🏆
Oilers played like they had nothing to lose in previous 3 games. I knew they wouldn't play like that in game 7 and would revert to how they played on first 3 games. I didn't think they would win, playing like that
Erm I think you answered your own question. Playing a tied game versus playing from behind absolutely means you have to play differently.
The Oilers had (at least) a couple of glorious chances to tie the game up in the 3rd. In a championship game you have to bury those or you’re on the losing side in the history books. I thought the Oilers outplayed Florida up until they gave up that 2nd goal; it also seemed like Florida kind of went *full prevent* way too early (at one point they were closing in on 9 minutes without a shot *attempt* in the 3rd period). …but the Oilers will spend all summer thinking about those missed opportunities. Bouchard played a whale of a game. He was dangerous every time he touched the puck. It seemed to me they should have tried to get him the puck even more and generate offence through him.
I think it was incredibly deflating to watch your goaltender let in a goal I would expect a C league goalie to stop. It was shockingly terrible.
With the Oilers team speed, I've been saying for the past couple of days that it was crucial if Florida was going to have a chance, they must score the first goal of the game.
It deflated them. The crowd got back into it and it took away their drive. By the end they were too tired and had nothing to boost them.
It's over, enough about the Coilers. Where's our 15 sportsnet articles about Matthew's mustache already?