In the lead-up to the highly-anticipated Stanley Cup Final rematch between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers, many wonder if the Oilers are better prepared to handle the Panthers’ attack once again.
Edmonton head coach Kris Knoblauch seems to believe so. During the Final media day on Tuesday, Knoblauch admitted that his team isn’t afraid to play the physical game.
“We’ve got our share of players that like that physicality,” Knoblauch said. “I certainly don’t think we’re shy from that play. Even last year, I think our team’s a little bit made up a little bit different than it was last year. But probably the best way to counter that is just moving the puck well.”
From last year’s final, Knoblauch recognizes that if you open the door for the Panthers to unleash their physical nature, they’ll make you pay for it.
“The longer you hold on to it, the more time they get to get in and finish their checks. So, I think it’s important that we’re moving it quickly, but also precisely. If you’re just sloppy with a puck, then you’re probably chasing the game for most of it. So there’s a lot of credit to them.”
In 2024, the Oilers found themselves trailing the Panthers 3-0 before grinding their way to a Game 7. There were stretches in the series where it looked like Edmonton was out of its element. The experience of going through last year’s championship series could prove to be the difference for the Oilers in getting to lift Lord Stanley’s Cup.
“They are a good forward-checking team. They finish their checks quite regularly. And we expect to be hit. We’re not a team that shies away from that. We’ve played a lot of teams last year and this year throughout the playoffs that like that physicality. and our guys are pretty accepting of it.”
Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final is set for Wednesday night. Puck drop is scheduled for a little after 8 p.m. ET.
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