What to watch for in Games 3 and 4 of Stanley Cup Final

Will travel play a role? 

As YardBarker mentioned before the series started, the distance between Edmonton, Alberta and Sunrise, Florida is the furthest between Stanley Cup Final opponents in NHL history. The Oilers have crossed time zones throughout their current playoff run, but Games 3 and 4 in Edmonton mark the first time the Panthers have left the Eastern time zone this postseason.

It isn't clear if the two-hour jump is responsible for the Oilers going into a 2-0 hole in the series. But the long travel and time change is worth keeping an eye on in Game 3 — especially with the Panthers' flight getting delayed on Wednesday. 

Will Aleksander Barkov play? 

The Panthers captain and top-line center exited Game 2 in Florida after taking a high hit from Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl. He was reportedly a full participant in practice ahead of the flight to Edmonton, but his status for the upcoming two games is unclear.

Barkov is tied for a team-leading 19 points in the playoffs (six goals, 13 assists) alongside oft-linemate Matthew Tkachuk. If he isn't able to go in Game 3, the Panthers will need major contributions from their forward arsenal.

Will Evan Rodrigues stay hot? 

Even with names like Barkov and Tkachuk on the ice for the Panthers, it's been Evan Rodrigues who has taken the spotlight to start off the Cup Final. The winger, who has played big minutes for three different lines through the playoffs, has three goals on three shots through Games 1 and 2. 

While Florida will need everyone to step up on the road -- especially if Barkov can't play -- getting more goal support from Rodrigues will be appreciated. Keep your eyes peeled when he's circling the net.

Will Stuart Skinner lock in at home? 

To be fair, Stuart Skinner has really turned his game around since he was last pulled from the starter's net in these playoffs. Unfortunately, that effort has been lost since the start of Game 1 of the Cup Final when he allowed a goal on Florida's opening shot.

There is no indication that head coach Kris Knoblauch will start Calvin Pickard instead of Skinner, especially with the next two tilts being played in the Oilers' home barn. However, how he starts Game 3 will be huge.

Will we finally see something from Connor McDavid?  

It seems like a silly question since No. 97 tallied 83 points in 37 home games during the regular season compared to 49 points in 39 away games. That includes a 23-9 home-away goal-scoring comparison, according to StatMuse. However, he has no goals on nine shots and just one assist through two games. 

Part of that can be attributed to Sergei Bobrovsky standing on his head in Florida's net. Regardless, McDavid is still one of the best players on the planet but hasn't produced yet in his first Stanley Cup Final appearance.

McDavid will turn it on in front of the Oilers home crowd, but he'll need to do that fast if Edmonton is going to have a shot at winning this series. Stay tuned.