The defending champion Florida Panthers are not on the ropes, but they are well aware they need to counter-punch when they visit the Edmonton Oilers for Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final on Friday.
Florida appeared to have the series opener in hand when they held a 3-1 lead early in the second period, and even when it was a one-goal edge in the third period. However, the Panthers received the whole Oilers treatment when that lead disappeared and became a 4-3 overtime loss on Wednesday.
And now the pressure is on Florida.
“We’ve said it a bunch, it’s that ‘us against the world’ mindset,” Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk said. “But you really feel it, especially being down in a series … in a hostile environment and we feel like that’s when we’re at our best. So hopefully we can use that to our advantage.”
The result ended the Panthers’ run of 29 consecutive playoff victories when leading after the second period. For so many of those wins, it was Florida that was able to put down the hammer and close out the clash.
Instead, the Oilers took control and outshot the visitors 14-2 in the third period and 10-6 in extra time, capped by Leon Draisaitl’s second goal of the game at 19:29 of overtime.
It was a pulsating way to start this rematch of last year’s final.
“They’re better, we’re better. It’s going to be a great series,” Tkachuk said.
A saving grace for the Panthers is their experience and ability to handle the ups and downs of a playoff series. They erased a 2-0 series deficit to beat the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second round.
“We learn more from adversity than we do from winning,” forward Carter Verhaeghe said. “I think every time you lose games or go through a series where you’re down, or losing in the cup final a couple years ago, you learn a lot. It’s just sticking with it and being mentally strong.”
The Oilers, who never led last year’s finals meeting with Florida in what was a thrilling seven-game series, know they have the upper hand, but are also aware of the importance of a follow-up victory in Game 2.
After all, home-ice advantage only makes a difference if you win those games at home, and the Oilers have a sparkling 7-1 playoff mark before their frenzied faithful.
“They’re going to flush it,” said defenseman Mattias Ekholm, who netted the third-period game-tying goal. “They’re going to come back better for Game 2. … We know we’ve got three more wins to go, and it’s going to be a battle.”
The victory not only gives Edmonton a 4-0 record in overtime clashes this spring, but it was the fourth third-period comeback of the playoffs and seventh when trailing at any point. As much as the Oilers would love to win each and every game with a wire-to-wire lead, they never feel out of a game when they trail.
Then again, when your team boasts a dynamic offensive duo of Connor McDavid (who collected two assists and set up the winning goal) and Draisaitl, a comeback is always possible.
“Our room’s always kind of the same,” defenseman Darnell Nurse said. “The guys are focused on the task at hand. I think it comes from the maturity of the group.”
They showed it again on a night Draisaitl netted his third overtime winner in this year’s playoffs and 50th career playoff tally.
“It’s tough to describe,” Draisaitl said. “You’re obviously locked in, and especially on the power play, you’re looking to finish it. … It’s a special feeling. It’s great for right now, but we’ve got to look ahead and get ready for Game 2.”
–Field Level Media
