Stanley Cup Final: Edmonton Oilers Face Florida Panthers in Repeat of Last Year’s Showdown
The stage is set for the Stanley Cup final, with the Edmonton Oilers set to face the Florida Panthers in a repeat of last year’s showdown. The Oilers, led by hockey’s generational talent, Connor McDavid, are seeking to bring the Cup back to hockey’s generational home. According to an article in The Guardian, this year’s final promises to be just as thrilling as last year’s, which saw the Oilers overcome a three-game deficit to force a deciding Game 7.
The Panthers, who are contesting for the Cup for the sixth straight year, have been one of the most consistent teams in the NHL. Their success, along with that of the Tampa Bay Lightning, who won the Cup in 2020 and 2022, has raised questions about the factors that contribute to their dominance. As The Guardian notes, one possible explanation is the state’s favourable tax situation, which has helped entice top players to sign with Florida teams. Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois confirmed this last summer, stating that the state’s "favourable tax situation" had played a role in attracting players.
However, as The Guardian reports, there may be more to Florida’s success than just its tax laws. The state’s unique culture and geography may also play a role. As former Tampa Bay Tribune reporter Craig Pittman wrote in his book about the state, "Nothing in Florida is ever quite what it seems… in Florida, the crimes tend to be weirder and the scams bigger." This eccentric reputation is reflected in the Panthers’ playing style, which is characterised by a relentless tenacity and aggressive offensive pinch.
The Panthers’ spirit animal may be the rat, but their attitude is very much that of a Florida team. As Kent Russell wrote in the New York Times, Florida is where "all the nation’s unctuous elements tend to trickle down as if [it] were the grease trap under America’s George Foreman grill." This brash, unapologetic attitude has served the Panthers well, allowing them to scrape and scramble to the top of the NHL.
The Oilers, meanwhile, are seeking to overcome their own demons. As The Guardian notes, Connor McDavid and his teammates have a second chance in Florida, another opportunity to make the rats go away. However, it won’t be easy. The Panthers are a gritty team that has proven they can overcome long odds. As Carlo Ponzi, creator of the Ponzi scheme, and Carter Verhaeghe, a two-time Cup winner, are examples of individuals who have found success in the state.
The Stanley Cup final promises to be a thrilling showdown between two teams with very different styles and attitudes. As The Guardian reports, the Panthers are a team that embodies the spirit of Florida, with all its eccentricities and contradictions. The Oilers, meanwhile, are seeking to overcome their own challenges and bring the Cup back to Edmonton. The series begins on Wednesday night, and hockey fans around the world will be watching with bated breath.
In related news, The Guardian’s recent article "Stuck on repeat: NHL’s playoff format keeps delivering déjà vu matchups" highlights the unusual nature of this year’s playoffs, with several repeat matchups. The Stanley Cup final is set to be just as unpredictable, with the Oilers and Panthers evenly matched and ready for battle.
