Stanley Cup Finals Preview from the Hockey Toolkit
Andrew: Deja Vu all over again… As we are back in the Stanley Cup finals and talking about the same two teams as last year, the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers.
Florida is stacked again having retooled with Brad Marchand and Seth Jones being added to their roster, and Edmonton has solidified their roster with Stuart Skinner firmly taking the lead role in nets and adding Trent Frederic and John Klingberg.
Trevor, what do you think of the playoff roads each of these teams have taken on the way back to the Stanley Cup final?
Trevor: Wow, feels like just yesterday we were writing the same exact article.
Kind of unreal how both teams really didn’t have much of a test to get here, besides maybe Edmonton vs LA. The waxing the Oil put on the Stars and the Panthers put on (my cup favorite) Hurricanes just goes to show how much of an improvement they’ve made to really standout as the best in their conferences. The closest series either team has had was the Cats vs the Leafs, and since that the Panthers have been on smooth sailing.
Who’s been the impact player for both teams you think thus far leading into the finals?
Andrew: McDavid ever heard of him? Hahhahaha. His breakaway goal in game 5 vs Dallas was unreal. Top speed, at the right time… sucked the wind right out of their sails.
For Florida there is just so much depth, but I really love what Sam Bennett has brought to that team. Timely goals but more importantly he brings an edge that not many players in the league have. He’s gonna get paid this summer if he chooses to explore the market.
What do you think Trev?
Trevor: I would venture to say McDavid is going to make any list of impact players, as he absolutely should be the best player in the entire world. Nobody has the skill and gamebreaking speed he has that could change the scoreboard in an instant.
My pick for Florida though is a tad different then who you chose, but that’s because as you said, there is just so much depth to choose from. My guy will be Mr. Alexsander Barkov, probably the most underrated two way player in the world. Not only is he playing at a point per game pace, but he’s also easily been having to shut down the opposition’s top lines and taking (plus winning key faceoffs).
Andrew: Barkov is incredible. I 100% agree with you that he might be the most underrated player in the world and easily a top 10 player in the league.
What are your thoughts on the backend? Edmonton seems much better on the BlueLine than last year, and Florida has Seth Jones now… which they didn’t have last year.
Trevor: Talk about a renaissance for Seth Jones. Here he was basically what felt like a bum deal for Chicago and suddenly he’s the #1/2 defenseman for a Stanley Cup Final team. I guess life works out pretty well when you don’t have to essentially play with minor league quality teammates.
Looking at both teams rosters, I feel like I have to give the nudge to Florida’s defensive core as it seems their built for playoff hockey with every skater able to pressure the play and take said pressure back. Their physical and can move the puck.
What’s your take between the two?
Andrew: My gut wants Edmonton. I’d love to see McDavid win a cup, he’s that great a player. In my opinion he’s in the category of Orr, Gretzky, Lemieux and Crosby.
It’s been said that my gut has shit for brains though, so my head says Florida in 7. You?
Trevor: What is this, High Fidelity???
I’m going to agree on the Florida part, but I feel like this might be over a bit earlier. As much as it would be great to see McDavid win, I just don’t think anyone can stop the physical and defensive ability of the Panthers, and you as a NJ Devils fan who grew up in the 90’s knows, defense wins Championships, and I’m not sure the Oilers have enough of it to contain the Panthers. That said, it’s going to be one helluva series!!
By Trevor DiCarlo & Andrew Trimble- The Hockey Toolkit
