Oilers Even Stanley Cup Final, Victory Within Reach as Draisaitl, Top Stars Shine in McDavid's Absence

Friday, June 21st, 2024

With Connor McDavid held scoreless, Leon Draisaitl and Edmonton's key players took charge, pushing the Oilers to within one win of the Stanley Cup.

Draisaitl assisted on Warren Foegele's early goal, while Adam Henrique and Zach Hyman scored in the second period. The Oilers secured a 5-1 victory against the Florida Panthers in Game 6, forcing a Game 7.

According to Draisaitl, they play to win and the upcoming game will be their toughest challenge yet, requiring their best effort.

Becoming the first team since 1945 to tie the finals after being down 3-0, the Oilers join the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs as the only NHL teams poised to rally from such a deficit and win the Stanley Cup.

Hyman expressed an unwavering belief in their ability to prevail despite the season's challenges. He noted that the team is well-prepared for the difficult game ahead and is excited for the chance to win in front of their fans.

McDavid's stellar performance in Games 4 and 5, where he scored four points each, helped shift the team's mindset from edge to belief. However, this game marked the first in his nine-year career without a point or shot on goal.

Draisaitl, McDavid's longtime German teammate and former league MVP, ignited the team in Game 5 after a slow start against the Panthers.

Defenseman Darnell Nurse praised Draisaitl as a relentless player who excels in critical moments, calling him one of the greatest playoff performers of all time.

Draisaitl's precise pass led to Foegele's early tap-in goal, leaving Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky with little chance. The energized crowd taunted Bobrovsky with chants of his name all night.Edmonton Oilers vs Florida Panthers Game Stats

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