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Initially, everyone anticipated the Stanley Cup Final to be a battle between Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl up against Aleksander Barkov and Sam Reinhart. The best scorers with the most skill against the best defensive forwards in the game. That’s what happened a year ago with Barkov notably matching up against McDavid to limit the Edmonton Oilers star in the final two games, giving the Florida Panthers the Cup title.
Sam Bennett is the one standing out for the Panthers so far, with three goals through the first two games. Brad Marchand also has three goals, including the game-winner in double overtime of Game 2, but the Bennett line has been the best for the Panthers as it’s generating offence while also limiting the Oilers’ offence. It allowed them to split the first two games in Edmonton and head to South Beach with a chance to take over the series.
The series heads to Florida for Games 3 and 4, and the Oilers look to take the momentum back. It starts with limiting Bennett and his line, which also has Matthew Tkachuk and Carter Verhaeghe on it, two forwards who have four assists in the two games played. The Oilers have the blueprint to do that, and the question is whether they can execute it or not.
Oilers Must Keep Series Fast-Paced
The first two games were fast as both teams were flying up and down the ice. It helps that Rogers Place is known for having great ice, but both teams set the tone for the series by moving the puck, creating rush chances, and pressing the opposing goaltenders. It explains the 16 combined goals in two games.
The Panthers want to slow things down. Sure, they can play a run-and-gun style and go goal for goal with the Oilers, but that’s not how they’ll win this series. Last year, they controlled the series with their forecheck and by slowing the game down, with Bennett, Tkachuk, and the forwards leading the way.
The Oilers must prevent that from happening. The pace allowed them to come back from a 3-1 deficit to win Game 1 in overtime 4-3, and it helped them score in the final minute of regulation in Game 2. The road games and the series progressing into a marathon will test their ability to keep up the fast pace, but they’ll look to do just that. It’s not just McDavid and Draisaitl who must play this way, but the entire forward group.
Ekholm & Nurse Must Control the High-Danger Areas
The Oilers are a better defensive team for many reasons, something that’s been prevalent in their playoff run. The stars are leading the way while the depth on the defensive unit, particularly, has stood out, especially with the Mattias Ekholm injury lingering in the first three rounds. Another factor is Evan Bouchard, who looks great and is once again making a case to win the Conn Smythe Trophy. Then there’s a physical element to the defence that gives the Oilers an edge.
That physical play starts with Darnell Nurse. He’s playing great in this playoff run and is standing out in the defensive zone. Nurse is the bigger-bodied defenceman who removes power forwards from the high-danger areas and cleans up loose pucks near the net. With Ekholm back, the Oilers have a defence ready to eliminate opponents from those areas.
The dirty areas are where Bennett thrives (and Toronto Maple Leafs fans will be quick to point out that the dirty areas should be taken literally). It’s why Ekholm and Nurse are the two defencemen who must take him out of the series. Yes, Bouchard, Jake Walman, and John Klingberg are playing great in the playoffs, but they are doing so primarily as puck movers and not physical players. That’s where Ekholm and Nurse come in and must deliver.
McDavid & Draisaitl Still Leading The Way
As expected, McDavid and Draisaitl are leading the Oilers in points in the Final. They are the ones leading the offence with a combined three goals and six assists in the two games, while also stepping up as the anchors for the team as a whole. Even when the Panthers are playing them perfectly, and it seems like there’s no way to win, this duo finds a way, which makes sense considering they are two of the top five players in the NHL.
McDavid and Draisaitl are the two who must set the tone. It includes forechecking, playing physically, and, of course, backchecking and taking over defensively. They are the two skaters who can limit Bennett and, specifically, stop his physicality from controlling the games and wearing down the Oilers.
Their play isn’t exclusive to stopping Bennett. It’s also pivotal in limiting the Panthers and allowing the Oilers to take the series. The first two games could have gone either way, with both going to overtime, and a bounce here or there could have changed the outcome. The McDavid and Draisaitl duo gives the Oilers the advantage, and it must do so in the upcoming games as well.
More must-reads:
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- The 'NBA playoff point-per-game leaders' quiz
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TODAY'S BEST
Michael Hage’s Dominance Clear at World Juniors Showcase
The World Junior Showcase showed the dominance of multiple Montreal Canadiens prospects this past week. After discussing Koivu’s play in the mini tournament earlier today, it is now time for a discussion on the 21st overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, Michael Hage. Much like his Finnish counterpart, the Canadian forward Hage stood out from his teammates throughout the showcase. Hage, who is arguably a top 3 prospect within the Montreal Canadiens pipeline, put on a show that should help him secure a role within Canada’s 2026 World Juniors team. The fact that he proved to be one of the best players for Canada this past week shows that not even getting an invite to the team’s final selection camp, despite a very strong freshman season at the University of Michigan, seemed silly, as even last year, he likely should have had a shot at making the team. Now that he managed to score a goal in all 4 games that he played for Canada at the World Juniors Showcase, there is almost no way that Canada can leave him off the roster. One of the most memorable moments throughout the whole tournament for Hage was definitely when he was in a scrum, mixing it up with his former Canadiens Development camp roommate, Aatos Koivu, as previously mentioned in my article from earlier today. Another amazing moment in that game was Hage’s goal, where he completely deked around the Finland goalie to put the puck in the net. It will be interesting to see where in the Canada lineup Hage will land, as a lot of notable names such as Michael Misa, Beckett Sennecke, and Tij Iginla did not play at the showcase. The good news is that the first two names may end up playing in the NHL, allowing a spot higher in the lineup for Hage. Another thing that will work well in Hage’s favour is that he is very versatile and can play on the wing or at centre for Canada. His coach even praised his “hard skills” for Canada during those four games he played. After watching Hage’s play over the last year, one thing is clear: he could be a play driver on whatever line he plays on for Canada. His game also seems like it will translate well at the pro level. Many may say that Hage must play a top 6 role for Canada, but the fact that he can play an aggressive style and has a strong defensive game could mean that he is also able to play in a bottom-six role if need be. The truth is it would be unlikely he would have to be on the bottom 6, but if the guys mentioned above aren’t in the NHL and are instead on the team, there is a chance that it could happen. This upcoming season with the Michigan Wolverines should be a big one where Hage could find his way in the Hobey Baker conversation if he improves on his 13 goals and 34 points in 33 games. The first half of the season will be telling for his place with Hockey Canada, whereas the 2nd half could also help him earn some time at the pro level. The way Hage has played since being drafted, it feels more like it’s more about when he’ll play for the Canadiens in a regular-season game, rather than if he will. Will Hage prove that he’s ready to play at the pro level this year at Michigan?
Justin Fields Called 'Biggest Loser' In Jets Training Camp
The New York Jets opted to cut Aaron Rodgers and sign Justin Fields to replace him during the offseason. This kind of commitment to Fields should bolster his confidence, but it could also place a lot of pressure on his shoulders. To this point, Fields has looked solid in training camp, aside from a scary toe injury that was quickly resolved in July. Justin Fried of the Jet Press recently reported that Fields' training camp may have reached a new low over the weekend as the young signal caller struggled. "Justin Fields put together his best practice of the summer to this point on Friday, completing his first 12 passes en route to an excellent all-around performance. The same can't be said about his showing on Saturday, however," Fried wrote. "Fields finished the day an abysmal 2-of-10 in the air, including a drop from rookie tight end Mason Taylor. "Some of his incompletions were catchable balls, but the Jets' passing game struggles on Saturday can largely be blamed on No. 7. Fields did flash his running ability with a 25-yard rushing score on the first play of red-zone drills, but the Jets would like to see more consistency in the air from the starting quarterback. Saturday's scrimmage was far from his best showing of the summer." Fields is a runner first at the NFL level, but his arm is nothing to scoff at. For most of training camp, his arm talent has been better than advertised, but during Saturday's scrimmage, it just wasn't there. A 2 for 10 performance is unacceptable for a $40 million quarterback who was signed to take over the team. The running game should open up the passing game for the Jets, which is going to need to be the case if Fields is going to struggle like this. However, it's just one day of camp. It's nothing to be too concerned about. Just because Fields lost this specific practice doesn't mean he's heading in the wrong direction as a whole.
Minnesota Vikings Concerned About Performance Of One Critical Position
The NFL preseason is a time for optimism—a chance for fans and coaches alike to dream about overcoming obstacles and achieving greatness. But for Minnesota Vikings fans, there’s one lingering issue that tempers any excitement year after year: the team’s ongoing struggle to find consistency at the kicker position. Now, as training camp unfolds, that familiar uncertainty has crept back in. The Vikings’ current kicker, Will Reichard, is facing scrutiny following a shaky camp performance that has reignited concerns about whether Minnesota can finally close the book on its long, frustrating history with kickers. Minnesota Vikings: A Rocky Start for Will Reichard in 2025 Struggles in Training Camp Will Reichard came to the Minnesota Vikings with high expectations. After being selected in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, he was viewed as a potential long-term solution to the team’s troubles at kicker. For a brief moment early in his rookie season, it seemed like the Vikings had struck gold—Reichard began his career with a perfect 14-for-14 streak on field goals, including four impressive conversions from beyond 50 yards. But things began to unravel. A quad injury midway through the season disrupted his rhythm, keeping him sidelined for four games and impacting his performance upon his return. Over his final five games, Reichard made just 10 of 14 field goal attempts, missing key kicks that left fans uneasy. Fast forward to training camp in 2025, and Reichard’s form appears to still be a work in progress. Reports from camp have described misses on routine field goal attempts, including two inside 40 yards during a recent session. These struggles are especially concerning for a team that frequently finds itself involved in close games where field position and special teams play a pivotal role. Root Causes of Reichard’s Struggles Special teams coordinator Matt Daniels acknowledged earlier this offseason that Reichard’s exhaustive rookie year may have played a role in his late-season slide. “The guy basically played eleven straight months of football without a break,” Daniels said, referencing his college playoff games, Senior Bowl participation, and NFL pre-draft commitments. This demanding schedule, combined with the physical toll of an NFL season, may have contributed to the quad injury and subsequent dip in performance. But excuses, while understandable, won’t satisfy Vikings fans who’ve grown weary of the team’s perpetual kicking carousel. The NFL is an unforgiving league, and the clock is ticking for Reichard to prove he can handle the pressure that comes with being an NFL kicker. The Vikings’ Troubled History with Kickers A Legacy of Heartbreak For much of their history, the Minnesota Vikings have been haunted by a seemingly endless cycle of kicker-related heartbreak. From missed playoff kicks to ill-fated experiments with new talent, the team’s inability to find stability at the position has cost them dearly. One of the most infamous moments came during the 1998 NFC Championship Game, when Gary Anderson—who had been perfect all season—missed a critical field goal that ultimately contributed to the Vikings’ loss. More recently, a missed 27-yard field goal by Blair Walsh during the 2015 playoffs sent shockwaves through a stunned fanbase. These moments aren’t just isolated mistakes; they’ve cast a long shadow over the franchise, leaving kickers who wear the Vikings jersey under unparalleled scrutiny. High Expectations in a High-Pressure Role The psychological toll of being a Vikings kicker is difficult to overstate. For any player stepping into the role, the expectations are sky-high, and even minor errors are magnified. It’s a position where good performance is expected but rarely celebrated, and failure—however fleeting—can define a career. This legacy of intense pressure raises questions. How much of the Minnesota Vikings’ kicker struggles are physical, and how much is mental? With Reichard now under the microscope, the team must evaluate whether his training camp struggles are a short-term hiccup or indicative of deeper issues. What Comes Next for the Minnesota Vikings? Patience or Panic? The NFL preseason offers Reichard a chance to put his training camp woes behind him. Preseason games, while still lower-stakes than the regular season, are a litmus test for kickers. If Reichard can bounce back and deliver reliable performances, he could cement his spot as the team’s starter before Week 1. But if the struggles persist, the Vikings may be forced to revisit their options. With veteran free agents potentially available and camp cuts creating opportunities, Minnesota could bring in competition to push Reichard or provide a backstop in case things continue to go south. Fixing Fundamentals Some factors affecting Reichard’s performance may extend beyond his own capabilities. The kicking operation—the trio of kicker, holder, and long snapper—requires precision. Reports from training camp indicate the team is testing new holding candidates, which could add instability to Reichard’s attempts. Straightening out these technical aspects will be critical as the team evaluates its special teams unit. A Familiar Feeling for Fans For Vikings fans, anxiety over the kicker spot is nothing new. Every wide-left miss or low-pressure shank in camp feels like déjà vu, a reminder of past heartbreaks that are all too fresh in their minds. But while skepticism runs high, so does the cautious hope that this time—finally—the team may find a solution. Final Thoughts The Minnesota Vikings’ search for consistency at the kicker position remains an ongoing saga, with Will Reichard’s training camp struggles adding another chapter to a story that’s defined by frustration and unmet expectations. However, the preseason still offers hope—hope that Reichard can reset and realign before the stakes become real. For now, though, the Minnesota Vikings walk a tightrope. If Reichard can rise to the challenge, stabilize his form, and deliver when it matters most, he could put an end to years of uncertainty. But if the struggles continue, the team must act quickly to avoid letting special teams woes derail another season. For Vikings fans, all they can do is hold their collective breath—and hope history doesn’t repeat itself.
Five takeaways from the first college football Coaches Poll
The 2025 college football season is less than three weeks away. On Monday, the first edition of the US LBM Coaches Poll was released. Soon, the AP Poll will come out, which is just another sign that the season is approaching. Preseason polls and their relevance have become more of a hot topic in recent years, but they are a fun discussion point either way. Texas opens the season at No. 1, followed by Ohio State, Penn State, Georgia and Notre Dame in the top five. Nine SEC teams cracked the top 25. Six from the Big Ten were ranked, along with five from the Big 12 and three from the ACC. Here are five takeaways from the Preseason edition of the Coaches Poll. Pressure is on Texas, Penn State The Longhorns have felt like the preseason favorite throughout the offseason. Texas is the only team in college football to have reached the national semifinals two years in a row. Arch Manning is taking over as the starting quarterback and enters the season as the Heisman favorite, like his uncle once was. Peyton's team never won the national title, and he didn't win the Heisman. We'll see what Arch can do in what could be his only season as the starter, although a return for the 2026 season is certainly possible. In 2025, though, anything less than a national title will be considered a failure for Texas. The same can be said about Penn State. The Nittany Lions got 14 first-place votes and might have the best combination of talent and an experienced quarterback in Drew Allar. It's truly national championship or bust. A huge opening weekend for college football The first full Saturday of the college football season is Aug. 30, and that weekend will be loaded with incredible matchups, highlighted by No. 1 Texas and No. 2 Ohio State. No. 6 Clemson will also host No. 9 LSU in a battle of top-10 teams, while No. 5 Notre Dame will play No. 10 Miami on Aug. 31 in another top-10 matchup. These games will shape the season and give us an early clue about the College Football Playoff race. SEC superiority still exists among coaches Despite the Big Ten winning the last two national championships, it's clear that coaches still view the SEC as the better conference. Texas is ranked ahead of Ohio State. Nine SEC teams are ranked in the top 21, along with four of the top nine and six of the top 15. The Big Ten isn't far behind, especially if a program like Nebraska can get back into the top 25 consistently. That league has five of the top 14 teams, according to the Coaches Poll, so the gap has narrowed. However, the SEC, top to bottom, still gets more respect. Big 12 has quantity, not quality The Big 12 likes to think of itself as the deepest conference in college football. It's not. The Big Ten and SEC are, but after that, the league might have an argument with five teams ranked in the top 25. What it doesn't have is a national title contender. Arizona State is ranked 11th. After that, Kansas State is next at No. 20. The Big 12 season should be exciting. Multiple teams could make the College Football Playoff, but there isn't a national title contender in the conference unless something crazy happens. Murky at the top Five different teams received No. 1 votes in the Coaches Poll (Texas, Ohio State, Penn State, Georgia and Clemson). Texas got 41 percent of the votes, but there isn't a clear national title favorite heading into the season. The first Coaches' Poll reflected that.
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