Five things Oilers need to do to force a Game 7

1. Win the first period

Edmonton has spotted Florida two or more goals in the first period of every single game this series. In fact, the Panthers have scored first in four straight. 

When you're constantly playing catch-up against a team built to protect leads, you're making life hard. Edmonton needs to flip the script, come out fast, get the first goal and force the Panthers to chase for once. No more sleepwalking through the opening 20 minutes.

2. Stay out of the box

The Oilers need to play with controlled aggression, finishing checks and making life difficult for Florida's puck carriers without taking themselves out of the game. 

Undisciplined penalties have burned Edmonton repeatedly. The Oilers racked up 85 penalty minutes in Game 3 alone and have accumulated 127 total penalty minutes in the series. 

Meanwhile, Florida's power play is converting at a dangerous 32 percent clip, going 7-for-22, while Edmonton's sits at just 17 percent (4-for-23). The math is simple: when the Oilers take bad penalties, they're handing Florida free goals. Discipline isn't optional; it's the only way we see a Game 7.

3. Win more defensive zone draws

The Oilers are getting outplayed in the details, and nowhere is this more evident than in defensive zone faceoffs. In Game 5, Florida won 53 percent of the draws overall. 

It's not just about winning the draw; it's what happens next. Even when Edmonton wins, it's turning the puck over and watching Florida score seconds later.

This isn't just bad luck, it's a pattern. Lost faceoffs mean extended pressure, tired defenders and more time spent in their own end instead of generating offense. 

For Edmonton to survive, it needs cleaner exits, better puck management and more wins on the dots when it matters most.

4. Get timely saves in net

Goaltending will be critical. 

Whether Edmonton head coach Kris Knoblauch goes with Stuart Skinner (7-6, 3 SO, 2.99 GAA) or Calvin Pickard (7-1, 2.85 GAA), the Oilers need the netminder to deliver key saves, especially on high-danger chances and breakaways, where Florida has had the upper hand. 

Timely stops can shift momentum and give the Oilers confidence, especially when facing elimination. 

5. Top stars must step up

And, finally, the stars must align. 

To win under pressure, Edmonton’s top stars, Connor McDavid (1g, 6a), Leon Draisaitl (4g, 4a) and Evan Bouchard (1g, 5a), must outplay Florida’s best, Sam Reinhart (3g, 3a), Aleksander Barkov (3a), Matthew Tkachuk (2g, 4a) and Brad Marchand (6g), especially 5-on-5. 

Champions elevate their game in big moments, and the Oilers’ leaders need to drive the offense, contribute on special teams and lead by example in all situations.