Though only two games in, the Final series between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers has already been the best one of the playoffs.
Through two games, and almost two and a half overtime periods, this series is tied 1-1. What can we expect from tonight’s Game 3?
Solon Mihas predicts an Oilers Game 3 victory in identical fashion to how the first two games unfolded. Edmonton won’t allow themselves to go down in the series, especially while on the road.
THE MAVEN'S PREDICTION: After a thorough review of all possible analytics, the winner of Game 3 of the series can easily be predicted. FLIP A COIN!
Here are some observations based on Game 2:
HOME ICE ADVANTAGE: With three of the remaining five potential Cup Final games scheduled to be in Florida, who really has home ice advantage? Theoretically, the Cats can repeat as champs if they win out on home ice. Mihas says Game 3 is almost a must win for Edmonton.
ROAD WARRIORS: Since losing their first two games of the playoffs in Los Angeles, the Oilers have a road record of 6-1. Florida has only played seven home games this postseason, owning a 4-3 record. The Cats are 1-2 in their last three on home ice.
UNSUNG HERO: So far in the Final Round, the Cats are silently being led by 33 year old defenseman, Nate Schmidt, who leads the team in points with four, all assists. Depth within a team's lineup is so important especially at this point of the season, and the Panthers have just that.
GOALTENDING: Oilers’ Stuart Skinner and Panthers’ Sergei Bobrovsky, are going toe to toe to the extent that it feels as though it’s a battle of who will make the last mistake. Remarkable saves, no quit on pucks, and above all, both goalies are giving their teams a chance to win. With how these netminders have been battling, I wouldn’t be surprised if we get more overtime hockey in Game 3.
QUESTIONABLES:
1. The Oilers may be without Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who will be a game time decision with an undisclosed injury, per HC Kris Knoblauch.
2. Panthers’ A.J. Greer is still considered day-to-day with a lower body injury, but skated during the teams optional practice yesterday, June 8.
With the Game 2 victory, Panthers HC Paul Maurice now sits at 999 career wins, including regular season, and could become only the third coach in NHL history - Scotty Bowman and Joel Quenneville - to reach the 1,000 win club.
Solon doesn’t think Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl allow Maurice to achieve that feat in Game 3. The duo of 97 and 29 will somehow, someway, find another gear and make sure the Oilers regain their lead over the champs.