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The Nashville Predators sure do love to boost their chances whenever possible. So when the chance came to bring in extra defenders in Nicolas Hague and Nick Perbix, the Preds didn't waste time in making the deal and now hope to ensure that they would get help on the defensive end – something that they lacked in the previous season. Now it seems that they would remedy that problem with these new additions. Both players are known to be “defense-first” defensemen, which means that the Predators would benefit from their hustle on the defensive end, all while not risking losing offensive efficiency as well. That says a lot about the two-way prioritization for the team, and how they would shape up their chances of winning in their games moving forward. After all, the saying does say; “defense wins championships”. Finishing with a 30-44-8 record, the Predators failed to reach the playoffs last season despite fielding a highly competitive roster that includes Jonathan Marchessault, Filip Forsberg, Steven Stamkos, and Brady Skjei. Now that they have some improvements on the defensive end, it seems that their chances of winning are definitely on the rise once more. Shoring Up the Defense Initially, the Predators had a strong defense, but injuries ravaged that side of the team last season. In fact, they lost Roman Josi, Jeremy Lauzon, and Adam Wilsby to season-ending injuries along with a trade for Luke Schenn to the Pittsburgh Penguins. For most of the season, their lineup was shored up by unproven AHL defensemen and waiver wire pickups, which did not do well for their campaign. For Predators General Manager Barry Trotz, those are the same mistakes that the team would not want to repeat now more than ever. "Last year, we got pushed into our own net a few times as a group," Trotz said on July 1. "I always tell our defensemen to 'sweep the porch.' But you've got to have the defensemen to be able to do that." So that's why they signed 27-year-old Perbix to a two-year, $5.5 million deal after he spent three seasons with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Hague, on the other hand, is entering his prime at the age of 26 and has inked a five-year, $22 million deal after six seasons with the Vegas Golden Knights. If anything, this proves that the Predators are committed to showing their worth on the big stage, and now defense comes as a massive priority. How Do the Predators Shape Up? At this point, it is expected that Josi will still be the main leader on the defensive end. The team trusts him to do everything in his power to continue serving as the “do-it-all” defenseman for Nashville even with his POTS diagnosis. Hague is expected to pair with him at the top, despite the latter being only on the second and third pairing in his time with the Golden Knights. While Skjei doesn't really fit the bill of going big on defense, pairing him with a younger, bulkier yet faster Perbix is going to solve that problem. Deploying the two defensemen in the second line means that the first line of Hague and Josi will be more efficient to handle offensive zone work at the same time. At this point, it is expected that Nashville will continue to make some changes to its strategic defensive lineup. That will definitely shape their chances for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, where they haven't had a decent result in the last seven years.

Three weeks in since bringing in Matthew Schaefer in the 2025 NHL Draft, it seems that the Islanders are bringing in the rookie for more immersion with the rest of the team as they plan ahead for the 2025-26 season, which seems to be a crucial launching point for the defenseman as he seeks to prove his worth on the big stage. At the age of 17, there are high expectations from the Erie product of the Ontario Hockey League. His season was cut short as he had surgery last December 30th, after he broke his clavicle while representing Canada in the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship in Ottawa. So far, Schaefer is shifting his focus well in the big league, and his progress has been quite satisfactory, which says a lot about his time in delivering for the team in the long run. At this point, Schaefer is making up for lost time, but now he is set to bring that same progress en route to the bigger games of the NHL, which is definitely going to be a huge boost to their chances of winning. After all, it is a worthy note for a comeback, considering that they haven’t made any progress since losing in the semis in 2021. Focusing on the Basics Since he was drafted, Schaefer has already made progress in talking with some prominent players in the squad – such as captain Anders Lee, forwards Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal. So far, he has received overwhelming support from both players and the rest of the fanbase from Long Island. “The fans have been amazing,” Schaefer said. “Every time we had a practice or game at development camp, the fans were always there and packing the barn, so to see how passionate and supportive they are in the middle of the summer, it’s awesome.” For now, Schaefer is hitting the gym – working to get bigger, stronger, and faster. That is one of the main focuses for the rookie as he is going to play against older, experienced players in the NHL, and he definitely wants to be ready for that. In fact, he even spent some time in the Islanders development camp late in June, with the team specifically saying that it is important for his game to evolve as early as possible so that he would gain traction in his time in the NHL. That also builds up his confidence en route to building momentum for the season. The Next Step Schaefer is eager to take instruction from Islanders head coach Patrick Roy when the Islanders kick off its campaign this October 9th in a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The rookie defenseman obviously looks up to the coach as a mentor of sorts, and that is a good thing to look out for at this point. “I just can’t wait,” Schaefer said. “I want to be on that opening night roster, so there is still a lot of work to be put in this summer, but I can’t wait to get ready at camp. The draft is over, I don’t have to worry about that. Now I can just worry about getting in the gym and on the ice.” The Islanders finished with a 35-35-12 record last season, and did not make it to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. This is the second time in five years that they did not qualify for the postseason, while all the other three seasons have ended up in losses.

After what has been quite an impressive yet short-lived run by the Winnipeg Jets last season, one of the priorities for the team has been to keep its most reliable stars in the fray and make sure they can boost the squad's chances of winning in the league. One of these talented players is Gabriel Vilardi, who is now slated to stay for six more years. The Jets were definitely pegged to be a Stanley Cup contender after last season's exploits. Vilardi was one of the standout performers for the team, cruising for career-highs and being one of the team's most consistent players in the rotation for most of the season. Now he's getting paid with impressive bearing for the team's chances of winning. At the age of 25, Vilardi would have become a free agent if not for this deal. With a possible arbitration hearing averted, the focus now shifts for the forward to put a focus on his works towards the season, which arguably has been really fun to watch as he improves his level of play now more than ever. A Shining Performer for the Jets Vilardi has been quite the star for Winnipeg, and it cannot be denied that he's been a phenomenal star on the rise. The forward posted 61 points last season with 27 goals and 34 assists – all career-highs in just 71 games. His massive performances say a lot about the drastic improvement that was expected from him in his time with the Los Angeles Kings. For what it's worth, Vilardi knows how to play at a high level, and his consistent performances have often outshined many elite players from the Jets roster. The forward has played in many clutch moments, and he has certainly proved that he can be a competent performer in the rotation, which says a lot about why the signing made perfect sense. Selected by the Kings back in the 2017 NHL Draft, Vilardi spent years with the Los Angeles squad and played 270 regular season games and 21 playoff games. So far, Vilardi has a tally of 175 points off 90 goals and 85 assists in 270 regular-season games for both the Kings and Jets combined. Staying with the Jets Perhaps one of the biggest factors that has made Vilardi a key player for the Jets aside from his impressive upsides is the fact that he's an Ontario native. Sure, he did miss out on the final 11 games of the regular season and the first four playoff games for Winnipeg last season, but he remains an elite performer in his own right. Acquired back in June 2023 in a trade that sent Pierre-Luc Dubois to the Kings, Vilardi has turned out for the best for the Jets so far, and his level of play has certainly turned out for the best as he continues to thrive in the Winnipeg system. Still, the expectations are high for Vilardi to make the most of his new contract. He is indeed one of the most explosive performers on the big stage, and one can say that he will be grinding his way to the top of the pecking order in Winnipeg in the coming season. The mere fact that he posted a lot of career-highs last season says a lot about how he is able to make an impact in the game and show that he deserves the new extension. So far, Vilardi is even pegged to become an All-Star next season, but that’s only feasible if he continues the offensive tear he was on last season.

Of course, if there’s one big star who should be offered an extension deal at this point, it is Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers. While there are many players who are still signing deals at this point in time, McDavid is yet to come up with terms with his team as he seeks to find out the best move for his career moving forward. While many reports say that the Edmonton star will likely be signing a new massive deal with the Oilers, it also suggests that McDavid is also open to considering offers from other teams as well. That is definitely a huge concern to consider for the team at this point, considering that McDavid has actually become the face of the team. McDavid isn’t leaving the team anytime soon. He still has two years to go with the Oilers before he will become an unrestricted free agent – in which offers left and right will come in now more than ever. After all, with the way things are looking right now, it is not impossible for McDavid to explore his value in the market while also finding a team with a better shot at the Stanley Cup Final. The Future of McDavid The Edmonton Oilers captain is definitely expected to wait out the entire offseason and even take it into next season before finally discussing with the management. Still, reports claim that an extension is really highly likely to come, and it is the “when” that would definitely mind boggle a lot of critics and fans at this point. There is definitely a strong fear of losing McDavid. After all, the star has become the top performer for the team at this point. And it would be hard to sway their remaining stars, such as Leon Draisaitl to stay if one of the core pieces does not commit to the next season. It can be remembered that the Oilers have endured back-to-back heartbreaks at this point, losing both Stanley Cup Final disappointments to the Florida Panthers. The 2024 edition saw them come close to completing a 0-3 comeback, while last month’s run proved to be more futile as they failed to come up with a better performance. Still, the frustration may be starting to mount up for McDavid and the rest of the team, but it also means that there’s unfinished business for the star to look forward to. Setbacks are just another reason for McDavid’s loyalty to endure now more than ever. Complex Extension Problems McDavid’s extension with the Oilers does not come without repercussions as well. It is expected that McDavid will have the most lucrative deal in NHL history should he elect to stay with the Oilers. This means that they may have to give up some key assets and come up with cheaper signings in order to afford his talent for more years to come. Still, Edmonton fans don’t really have to worry much for now. The Oilers fell short in the biggest stage of the game for the second time around, and a few roster tweaks should solve the problem – along with some improved coaching as well. In all sense, McDavid is expected to re-sign with the Oilers, and he’s just biding his time. This just means that fans should not panic nor create ruckus about him moving on from the team. There’s still months to go in the offseason, and there’s also more to talk about how he will eventually be open to talks moving forward.

After more than a decade of quiet consistency and hard-nosed effort in the NHL, Riley Nash has officially called it a career. The 36-year-old center confirmed his retirement in early July, ending a 13-season journey that took him through eight different NHL franchises, countless faceoffs, and one long, hard-earned road from first-round pick to trusted depth veteran. The Kamloops native broke the news in an interview with local outlet Castanet, where he spoke candidly about the toll of professional hockey and the pull of family life. He later added that his decision had been building for some time, particularly after spending the 2024–25 season away from the game to recover from a lingering knee injury. Drafted 21st overall by the Edmonton Oilers in 2007, Nash’s NHL path took longer to form than most first-rounders. He played three seasons at Cornell University before turning pro and eventually making his NHL debut with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2011. From there, he carved out a reputation as a smart, defensively reliable forward who could be trusted in any situation. Moving on from the Game Nash played 628 NHL games in total, recording 63 goals and 113 assists. Nash spent time with Carolina, Boston, Columbus, Winnipeg, Toronto, Tampa Bay, Arizona, and the New York Rangers, wearing many jerseys but always bringing the same blue-collar work ethic that made him a coach’s favorite. He was never a flashy scorer, but his value came in the quieter aspects of the game: killing penalties, taking crucial draws, and frustrating opponents with sound positioning. “This is all I’ve done and focused on for the past 30 years,” Nash said. “It’s definitely strange to think that it’s over. With three wonderful young kids and the way my body has behaved over the past few years, it was time to take a step back as an older guy and let others chase their dream the same way I did.” Nash’s best statistical season came in 2017–18 with the Boston Bruins, when he tallied a career-high 41 points in 76 games. That season, he even spent some time filling in for Patrice Bergeron on the top line, proving his ability to play up and down the lineup as needed. While that level of production wasn’t typical for Nash, the performance showcased his adaptability – something that defined his entire career. That same season with Boston also saw Nash take a puck to the face late in the year, an injury that required dozens of stitches and kept him out of the lineup briefly. He returned wearing a protective cage and continued playing the same unselfish style. It was the kind of sacrifice that came to define his reputation league-wide. The Closing Run Though Nash played only a single NHL game in the 2023–24 season with the Rangers, he stayed active with their AHL affiliate in Hartford. He had signed a two-year deal with New York in 2023 and served as a veteran presence for the younger players in the organization. By the time the 2024–25 season rolled around, however, Nash found himself off the ice and focusing on recovery from knee issues that had nagged him for years. In many ways, the time away from the game helped him come to terms with retirement. His former teams and teammates have responded with messages of appreciation and respect. While Nash never lifted the Stanley Cup, he was often called upon during playoff pushes and tight games when details mattered most. Coaches trusted him to hold leads, stabilize young lines, and lead by example.

Brent Burns isn't here to make up the numbers. At 40 and heading into an astounding 22nd NHL season, the veteran defenseman joins the Colorado Avalanche on a one-year deal to complete one mission: winning the Stanley Cup. The passion for hockey – the grind of training, the camaraderie with teammates, and the daily pulse of the rink – still fuels him. But the most compelling motivator? Burns believes that there’s still a lot for him to chase, and he is approaching this run with a lot of motivation in his mind. Burns has enjoyed a distinguished career: 1,497 regular-season games (playing in every possible contest for 11 seasons straight) and 910 points (261 goals, 649 assists). And yet, even all of those personal glories, one prize continues to elude him – the Stanley Cup. This is why signing with the Avalanche seems to be the best way for him to achieve all of that – and show that he can indeed prove himself to be an impressive performer who can dominate the big stage when it matters most. A Flawless Fit: Experience Meets Elite Talent Colorado’s blue line is already among the NHL’s best, anchored by stars like Cale Makar and Devon Toews. Burns adds a new dimension: leadership, durability, offensive touch, and that competitive itch. He knows his role might be more supporting than starring – but he embraces it. “Whatever they ask of me, that’s what I want to do,” he said, signaling willingness to take on any assignment – be it third-pair minutes, power-play shifts, or mentoring emerging players. With 925 consecutive games under his belt – the fourth–longest “Iron Man” streak in NHL. If he suits up for all 82 games this season, he’ll move to second all-time behind Phil Kessel. On and off the ice, he’s expected to elevate a team that won the Cup in 2022 but has largely stalled in recent postseasons. At this stage in his career, Burns isn’t chasing stats – he’s chasing legacy. Having reached the Stanley Cup Final once (2016 with the San Jose Sharks), he wants another shot – a real one – to bring home hockey’s ultimate prize. He explicitly compared his journey to legends like Ray Bourque, who famously won in Colorado after a long wait. Going All In With Nathan MacKinnon leading the forward corps, Gabriel Landeskog recovering, and Cale Makar patrolling the blue line, the Avalanche are positioned to contend – but last season’s early playoff exit underscores the competition’s intensity. Burns is clear-eyed: no illusions, no side missions. He’s locked on Colorado’s system, his self-care routine, and that one collective dream. “There’s one big goal still,” he repeated – an echo that carries the weight of decades of near misses. As the NHL landscape turns, Burns’s signing is both symbolic and strategic. It’s symbolic in that it signals the Avalanche’s ambition: they’re not just good – they’re hungry. He fits the ethos: work ethic, energy, and championship hunger. Strategically, he offers Colorado a fallback option in high-stakes moments: a mentor on the bench, a power-play option, a penalty killer, a body who doesn’t miss games. Whether this chapter brings the coveted Cup remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Brent Burns didn’t come to Colorado to coast – he came to chase. And if passion, perseverance, and a little bit of playoff magic align, this could be his crowning moment. Who knows? Maybe this is the year when the Colorado squad finally wins it all.

With his contract almost up, the Edmonton Oilers are mulling their options as they now prepare to offer everything they’ve got to keep their main star Connor McDavid with the hopes of keeping him for good. However, they will have to wait until the star center is ready to engage in contract discussions before they can put up a lucrative deal now more than ever. Most of the discussions with McDavid in the past few weeks after being eliminated in the Stanley Cup Final was all about how the team can improve its chances, what they need to work out on this offseason – but way never about the contract that he needs to stay with the team for the years to come. At the age of 28, McDavid is coming off back-to-back losses in the Stanley Cup Final. He is still in his prime years, and he is also approaching the final year of his eight-year, $100 million deal that he signed way back in July 2017. This just means that he could either sign yet another big deal, or the worst-case scenario – see how the coming season will turn out for the Oilers before inking a deal, or try out his worth in the free agency market. A Big Season Coming Up The 2025-26 NHL season will be the biggest for McDavid. Entering his 11th year in the squad, the center has become quite a phenomenal performer – tallying 1,082 points (361 goals, 721 assists) in 712 regular-season games and 150 points (44 goals, 106 assists) in 96 playoff games. He has also won the Hart Trophy (MVP) three times. He also ended up winning the Ted Lindsay Award four times. Perhaps the best of his feats – the Art Ross Trophy five times and the Conn Smythe Trophy as the finals MVP of the 2025 Playoffs. However, all of these mean nothing unless he adds the final trophy he’s missing in his already historic career – the Stanley Cup. Reaching the top at the best time of his career is definitely one of the historic moments a player can enjoy. McDavid is certainly keen to reach that point and show that he can be an elite performer when it matters most. This just says a lot about how Edmonton needs to focus on keeping their main star satisfied and actively pursuing the goal. “This core has been together for a long time, and we’ve been building to this moment all along,” McDavid said. “The work that’s gone on behind the scenes, the conversations, the endless disappointment, and some good times along the way obviously as well. We’re all in this together trying to get it over that finish line. More Work to Do Whether or not Edmonton will pursue a new deal with McDavid, the team still has a total of six players entering the free agency market this week. Talents such as forwards Corey Perry, Jeff Skinner, Connor Brown, Kasperi Kapanen, and Derek Ryan, and defenseman John Klingberg are all going that way – as unrestricted free agents. If they want to keep McDavid, the team also has to surround him with the right talent to win. Luckily, Leon Draisaitl is secured, so there’s no need to come up with more talks around him. Evan Bouchard is currently a restricted free agent, and contract talks are underway. So there’s that. Until it is possible that McDavid would have a championship core heading for next season locked in, he may not be willing to start contract negotiations as well.

It could have been much worse, considering that the New York Islanders weren’t one of the fortunate teams to make a deep run last playoffs. But now armed with the 1st overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, it does seem that fortune favors the bold after all, as the team now sets its eyes on the future and hopefully comes up with a promising selection that would help them become competitive in the coming years. Nothing has been easy for the Islanders over the past few years. The last five years have seen them struggle to stay relevant on the playoff stage. To start, the team has yet to win a single playoff series in that span. They lost to the Tampa Lightning in seven games back in 2021, then missed out on the following year. New York would then go on to lose back-to-back playoff series against the Carolina Hurricanes in 2023 and 2024. This year? Perhaps another disappointing stretch as they missed out on another playoff campaign, so there’s that. But maybe this time would be a different run as they hope to present themselves with the best chance, armed with the 1st overall pick in the draft. Hauling in the Future The Islanders are expected to select Matthew Schaefer with the first overall pick. Coming from the Ontario Hockey League, the defenseman is ranked 1st in the scouting reports and remains the consensus no. 1 selection had the pick gone to another team in the league. So far, it seems that the Islanders will waste no time in bringing him in too, which says a lot about the expectations for the team moving forward. However, it is worth noting that the 17-year-old prospect only played a total of 17 games in the previous season. He had to endure a fractured clavicle back in December 2024 when he played for Team Canada in the IIHF World Junior Championship. Those circumstances, however, don’t seem to affect his draft value. "We're extremely excited about putting together a team that gets younger and faster and exciting," Islanders co-owner Jon Ledecky said. "I think the fan base wants to see that, and this is the first step. It's going to be a new day in that respect and I think (GM) Mathieu (Lamoriello) supports that, which is the most important thing. You need to have the support of your hockey operations people in that regard and Mathieu understands how that works." The Excitement of the Draft It is clear that the Islanders will not be trading the no. 1 pick (I mean, who would even do that?). That paves the way for a Draft Party set by the Islanders at the UBS Arena and would also feature current players such as Ryan Pulock, Casey Cizikas, Jean-Gabriel Pagea, and Scott Mayfield. All of the hype is leading up to the 1st pick being delivered is showing hope for the team at this point. The future is now for the Islanders, and it seems that they will need to grind hard if they want to make the most of their chances and see how they can fuel their winning chances for the next campaign. Who knows, maybe this is going to be a wonder season for New York, and we are coming along for the ride towards greatness in the NHL.

Back-to-back championships are never an easy feat, but being able to repeat takes a lot of work in the offseason as well. That’s the current focus for the Florida Panthers as they now plan their signings well to keep their best stars together and locked in for yet another stunning finish in the coming campaigns. For starters, Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett, and Aaron Ekblad are all set to be unrestricted free agents this offseason, and the team hopes to keep them all together in the squad heading into its attempt at a third straight title. Who knows, maybe they could actually go for it and make history in the Stanley Cup once more. Now that the offseason is in full swing, fans may even expect to see more from the Panthers to keep its top stars, and hopefully add a few key pieces who could increase their chances as well. No matter what the Panthers will work on this offseason, it begins by signing the trio of Marchand, Bennett, and Ekblad to ensure the core stays together. Why Should the Panthers Extend Deals to these Players? Let’s get it straight, Marchand scored 20 points, Bennett had 22, and Ekblad has been a superior two-way performer for a defenseman. Each of these players has become an integral part of Florida’s flourishing performances, and they sure deserve the praise they are getting – as well as the raise they will get for their impact. “I know you're going to have a different roster each and every year, but hopefully, the core of guys, we can just continue building with that," Tkachuk said. “With that being said, we've got some unbelievable players that are up for contracts that I hope they get every single cent they can because that’s what you want for your best friends and players around the League.” Tkachuk’s comments reflect the strong chemistry and culture Florida has built — an intangible asset just as valuable as cap space. And that chemistry could help in negotiations, as veterans like Marchand may prioritize winning over squeezing every dollar from the market. Florida will need to be creative in retaining its key players without compromising long-term flexibility. Rumors suggest the team is considering moving a few depth contracts to clear space, potentially opening room for new acquisitions or bigger deals for their core. Shot at Another Run? With two straight titles under their belt, Florida's front office, led by General Manager Bill Zito, is facing a crucial crossroads — but one that also offers immense opportunity. If they can retain these core players while finding value in depth signings, the Panthers could realistically chase a third straight Stanley Cup. Only a handful of teams in NHL history have accomplished a three-peat, most recently the New York Islanders in the early 1980s. The players know what's at stake — and they know who they want beside them on that journey. Beyond keeping Marchand, Bennett, and Ekblad, the Panthers could also be active in free agency. With solid goaltending already in place, the team may look to bolster its bottom-six forwards or add a veteran defenseman as insurance. But make no mistake — their success begins with bringing their stars back. The NHL’s offseason is full of surprises, but one thing is certain: Florida isn’t satisfied with just two championships. They’ve got their eyes set on more, and keeping their winning core together is the first, most important step.

It was another storied finish for the Florida Panthers, who took control of the series when they secured a 5-2 win on the road in a crucial Game 5. After that, the momentum was riding on their side, and they didn’t let the chance slip past them as they conquered the series for a promising finish at 4-2, repeating as the Stanley Cup Champions. They are the first team to pull off the said feat after interstate rivals Tampa Bay Lightning did the same feat in 2020 and 2021. Florida deliberately avoided a repeat of the previous run, where the Oilers managed to force a Game 7. Instead, the Panthers made sure to take control of the game early, and they did not hold back as the barrage of goals came into play. Florida lifted the Stanley Cup for the second time around, and they made sure that this one would not go the distance as it did last year. Now they will enjoy a promising finish that saw them become champions once more. After all, this is their second in a row – and that remains a rare feat in the NHL, but now there are aspirations of going back-to-back-to-back as well. Pure Panthers Dominance Right from the start, it was all Florida. Sam Reinhart opened the scoring gates with a goal just 4:36 into the game with his snap shot, and Matthew Tkachuk followed that up with another wrist shot at 19:13, ending the first quarter with a 2-0 lead for Florida and definitely in a good position to win the game. Reinhart would then later score the lone goal of the second frame in a shot that was deflected before it went it at 17:31. However, that would not slow down the Panthers star as he went on to score his final two goals in the fourth, giving Florida a 5-0 lead – a very comfortable cushion heading into the final six minutes of the game. The Oilers tried to make their presence felt, but all they managed was just a lone goal from Vasily Podkolzin. The high-powered Edmonton offense was silenced, and neither Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl had good looks for most of the game as they were hounded by the Florida defense. The Honor Roll for the Panthers Reinhart became the second player to score four goals in a Stanley Cup clincher, and is also the first player to notch a four-goal hat-trick in the Stanley Cup Playoffs in franchise history. Carter Verhaeghe came up with three assists, while Alexander Barkov had two. They are also the second team to beat the same opponent in the Cup Final in two straight seasons after the Canadiens took down the Bruins in 1977 and 1978. Sam Bennett was named the Stanley Cup Final MVP and was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy. He led the NHL this postseason with 15 goals in 23 games. “This is way harder than I thought it would be to win, and to win twice,” Bennett told Sportsnet of the back-to-back titles. “I mean, we put in so much work for this. I’m so proud of this group. It’s incredible the team we have here. I’m so proud of all the guys. It’s the best feeling in the world. I don’t know how else to describe it.” The Panthers have made history once more, and it seems that they are not slowing down with the way they are playing their best hockey at this point in time.

Backs against the wall. Season on the line. Legacy in question. Everything seems to be against the odds when it comes to the Edmonton Oilers, especially with Game 6 bringing in a lot of implications as the team heads into enemy territory in Florida. They have been in this situation before, but it somewhat feels different as they are heading to a bigger challenge. After that deflating loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 5 at home raised a lot of questions in the series, especially after the defending champions did not have any problem scoring the puck and how Edmonton’s offense was completely shut down. Losing in front of their home crowd was not a good look, and the Oilers dropping another one at home just meant that even a Game 7 at home doesn’t put them at an advantage at all. Now playing in a rink where they have dropped a massive number of goals, it seems that Edmonton’s chances are dwindling by the minute, which is worrying at this point. It cannot be denied that the Panthers are expected to be crowned back-to-back champions by the end of Game 6, and the Oilers need everything to work in their favor if they are going to defy the odds this time. The Goalie Dilemma Heading into Game 6, the Oilers remain undecided when it comes to their starting goalie. With their season on the line, both Calvin Pickard and Stuart Skinner are pegged to start off the crucial Game 6 showdown. While it does boast the team’s flexibility and incredible depth, it has been the big reason why they dropped Game 5. Edmonton trails the series 3-2, and Pickard was the starter in the Game 5 loss. Skinner was the starter in the Game 3 loss, and both players have shown impressive performances in their own right, despite not being able to win key games for their team. “We've got two goalies that have shown that they can play extremely well and win hockey games, and we feel that no matter who we choose they can win the game," Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch said. Pickard stands with a 7-1 record in this postseason, with his only start coming in that Game 5 loss. Skinner, on the other hand, has stood strong with a 7-6 record in 14 starts. What the big difference is, however, is that Skinner has experience in the clutch, going 9-1 whenever he starts in Games 5-7 over the last two postseasons. Whoever the Oilers choose to start, it has to matter for their chances of winning. Bigger Stakes for the Oilers At this point, the pressure is on the Oilers to win and survive until Game 7. After all, they are now 2,500 miles back to South Florida with the Panthers looming to go back-to-back Cup winners since state rivals Tampa Bay Lightning did the same feat in 2020 and 2021. For the Oilers to win this one, everything has to click well. For starters, Edmonton needs to counter the two-man punch of Brad Marchand and Sam Bennett, who have been able to score more than five goals each – the first for such duo in a Stanley Cup Final in over 50 years. Still, the dream of being the first Canadian team to win a championship since the Montreal Canadiens since 1993 remains alive for the Oilers. That is, until they can find a way to win Game 6 and send it back home.