Sam Navarro-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/5ad1fb23-73cf-4850-b088-40f6b92f6a32.jpeg] Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Game 3 was nothing like the first two in Edmonton. We went from consecutive overtime games to a dominant, 6-1, Florida beatdown. What can we expect looking ahead to Game 4? Solon Mihas predicts a game nothing close to what we saw in Game 3. Mihas expects the Oilers to prevail, and send this one back to Edmonton with the series tied at two games a piece. THE MAVEN’S PREDICTION: The Maven forecasts a strong Edmonton comeback and victory. The Connor McDavid-Leon Draisaitl combine will take over and the motivation will overcome anything Florida has to offer. The series will be tied heading back to Edmonton. Here are some observations based on Game 3: HOME ICE ADVANTAGE: Home ice advantage has proved to have a bigger impact down south than it did up north. The Panthers got the fans engaged early and rode that momentum through the entirety of the game. For the Oilers to stand a chance, they must take the life out of the building. Less Fan Engagement = Less Momentum for Florida to build off of. Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm said it best, “We’re one win away from having a best out of three, with two home games.” Can the Oilers reclaim home ice advantage? PHYSICALITY: Game 3 ended as a fight night, and all that proved was that neither team will back down from any confrontation, something we already knew. I expect a very physical Game 4, and both sides have the assets to conduct that style of play… The Oilers have Evander Kane, who has racked up 21 hits this series alone. A seven hits per game average. Panthers’ Aaron Ekblad is averaging five hits a game this series, with a total of 15. DISCIPLINE: Game 4 saw the fourth most penalty minutes ever in a Stanley Cup Final game. 140 penalty minutes to be exact. 85 PIMs for Edmonton, 55 PIMs for Florida. Florida had 11 power plays, converting three times. Edmonton had six power play chances, converting once. Both teams, but especially the Oilers, are going to have to play a much more disciplined game, if a Game 4 victory is in their forecast. GOALTENDING: Is Stuart Skinner Edmonton's ride or die OR do they lean on backup Calvin Pickard, who has a record of 6-0 in this year's postseason? After a disastrous Game 3 performance, HC Kris Knoblauch has a decision to make. On the flip side, after another exceptional outing, Panthers HC Paul Maurice has an easy goaltending decision. Sergei Bobrovsky is the only acceptable answer. Per HC Knoblauch, Oilers Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is once again a game time decision. Mihas thought Game 3 was ALMOST a must win for Edmonton. Now, Game 4 IS a must win. The Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl duo won’t be contained two games in a row. There is too much at stake. We’ll get all of our questions answered tomorrow night, at 8 o’clock.
