NHL Analyst Disrespects the Edmonton Oilers Prior to Game 1 of Stanley Cup Finals

Florida is a better team that last year

First, Florida is really just a better team than they were last year. Edmonton's better, too, but so is Florida, much, much better, according to Wyshynski. The Panthers are deeper, faster, and scarier.

Florida has better goaltending

Goaltending, as a plus, is there, too. Stuart Skinner has played well, but Sergei Bobrovsky, in 'Playoff Bob' form, is a game-changer. Florida doesn't need a goalie who won't cost them the games, they have one who can just give them the games.

The Panthers are unbelievable on the road

Road dominance also figures in. Edmonton has home ice here, but that won't necessarily benefit them. The Panthers are 8-2 on the road this postseason, tied for the sixth-best road record in NHL playoff history.

They own a +27 road goal differential that is staggering, scoring 48 goals and allowing 21 on the road.

Aleksander Barkov has the third best points per game since 2017

Aleksander Barkov provides another layer. Though overshadowed by players such as McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, Barkov's understated excellence places him among elite company. His 1.11 points per game since 2017 trails only Sidney Crosby and Cale Makar.

The Panthers were made to beat Edmonton, acting like a thorn in their side

Lastly, the Panthers are built to defeat Edmonton. They can match scoring power, shut down defensively, adapt to any strategy, and thrive in chaos. With star talent, structure, and grit, they're set up to win however it takes.

Wyshynski expects Florida to hoist the Cup again, this time, in six games, which is not sitting well with those in Edmonton.