Oilers vs. Panthers: Experts Sound Off — And They’re All Saying the Same Thing

The Stanley Cup Final series between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers will feature several storylines that will draw attention from hockey fans, eager for a rematch between the NHL’s two top teams. Having said that, most insiders and analysts believe this series will come down to one key matchup: the Panthers’ aggressive forecheck versus the Oilers’ ability to transition the puck from defense to offense quickly.

As Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic writes, “There will be times in this series when the Panthers’ forecheck will have the upper hand. Other times, the Oilers’ blueliners will effectively negate it. The question is which one happens most often. That’s going to be this series in a nutshell.”

Florida’s hard-hitting forecheck has been a key factor in their success this season. Panthers coach Paul Maurice has stressed how his team must play their tough, physical brand of hockey. It’s worked against everyone else, and the Panthers will try to dictate the pace early, hoping to wear down the Oilers’ blueliners and make it tricky to get out of their own zone.

Meanwhile, Oilers assistant coach Paul Coffey has turned GM Stan Bowman’s in-season moves into a winner and made Edmonton’s blue line a self-assured group of playmakers. Additions like John Klingberg and Jake Walman have prospered and created a dynamic second pair that has excelled against the Los Angeles Kings, Vegas Golden Knights, and Dallas Stars. Instead of getting a stay-at-home defenseman at the deadline, the Oilers doubled down on puckmovers, and it worked.

The question in this series becomes, which strategy will win out?

Is Florida’s Forecheck More Important Than Edmonton’s Transition Game?

The forecheck of Florida is a weapon. Over a long series, it becomes an even more critical factor since repeated hits and physical play will take a toll. Their physicality could push Edmonton into a place where they aren’t entirely comfortable.