An Up-to-Par Evander Kane Should Play Crucial Role for Oilers in the Stanley Cup Final

Edmonton Oilers winger Evander Kane will be a game-changer against the physical Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup final if he's healthy and plays like he did in 2022.

As the Edmonton Oilers prepare to face the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup final, one player’s presence could be more important than ever.

Known for his combativeness and offensive prowess, Evander Kane’s contributions should be pivotal in a series that promises to be intensely physical. That is if he plays up to par.

Kane's also not 100-percent healthy. Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch says he expects Kane will be good to go for Game 1, but he hadn't been skating with the team until Friday, and he didn’t play in the final period of Game 6 versus the Dallas Stars.

The Panthers are recognized as a more physical team than the Oilers. Their 739 hits in 17 playoff games far surpass Edmonton’s 563 hits in 18 games. 

While the Oilers have beaten more physical teams already this post-season, Kane stands out on the Oilers roster as one of the few players who thrives under these rugged conditions. 

Currently, Kane is third in the NHL playoffs with 62 hits, showcasing his ability to match the physicality Florida brings.

In particular, Kane’s experience playing against Matthew Tkachuk is another critical asset that will be a storyline during this series. 

In the 2022 playoffs, Kane effectively neutralized Tkachuk during the Calgary Flames and Oilers series, rendering him less effective. If Kane can slow Tkachuk down, it will be key to the Oilers' success this time around.

In a series where the intensity will be as high as it gets, Kane's ability to stand up to players like Sam Bennett and Tkachuk is invaluable. Should these players attempt to take liberties with Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl, Kane should not be afraid to respond in kind, ensuring that the Oilers’ top players can focus on their game.

Beyond his physical play, Kane has shown some game-changing offensive capabilities in the past. 

His best post-season with Edmonton was in the 2022 playoffs when he led the Oilers with 13 goals. When Kane performs at his best, he adds significant production and depth to Edmonton’s top nine forwards. He would be another offensive player the Panthers have to shut down, a tough task considering they’ll be focused on McDavid, Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman for starters.

But Kane's points production has been inconsistent this year. He only has eight points in 18 games this post-season, and he only recorded one point against the Stars, but he had a four-game points streak against the Canucks. After a season in which he recorded 24 goals and 44 points in 77 games, a strong showing in the Cup final would make it all worth it in the end.

While the Oilers typically prefer to rely on possession, speed and skill rather than matching their opponents’ physicality, they are no strangers to handling physical teams. They were outhit by the Kings and Canucks and came out on top. The reality is that Edmonton welcomes the physicality, and Kane is a better player in those conditions.

The Panthers’ physical style often leads to penalties, with players like Carter Verhaeghe, Anton Lundell, Niko Mikkola and Aaron Ekblad accumulating numerous infractions. 

It will be, in part, Kane’s job to give the Oilers as many looks on the power play as possible. Edmonton could turn these penalties to their advantage and take control of the series via their lethal power play, which is at a 37.3-percent success rate so far this post-season.

The Oilers will try to win this series based on skill and speed, but the matchup between Kane and Florida’s physical players will be crucial. The Panthers, known for wearing down opponents through relentless hits and aggressive play, will find a formidable adversary in Kane. It will be imperative he maintain his composure, deliver hits and contribute offensively, providing the Oilers with a balanced counter to Florida’s strategy.

In a series where physicality will be a storyline, Kane’s role cannot be overstated. His ability to deliver hits, score goals, and protect his teammates positions him as a critical factor for the Edmonton Oilers. The hope is he’s up to the task and is healthy enough to be the impact player the Oilers need right now.