The 2024 Stanley Cup Final is set to begin between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers. Both teams are seeking their first championship win, with the Oilers last winning in 1990 and the Panthers yet to claim a title since joining the NHL. The series will kick off on Saturday, June 7th at 8 pm ET in Florida.
The Panthers have shown impressive physical play throughout the Eastern Conference Playoffs, defeating top teams with their tenacity. Their goaltending by Sergei Bobrovsky has been solid, boasting a better goals-against average than the Oilers (2.29 vs 2.61). Additionally, Florida's secondary scoring is more reliable than Edmonton's top-heavy offense.
The Oilers have made defensive progress and shown improved play throughout the Western Conference Playoffs. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have led the charge for Edmonton, with Evan Bouchard, Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Stuart Skinner providing support.
Ticket prices for the Stanley Cup Final have skyrocketed on the resale market after selling out. Game 3 tickets are listed for at least $1298 CAD ($950 USD), while pairs of seats for Game 6 cost up to $11,800 CAD ($8,632 USD).
Matthew Tkachuk of the Panthers discussed the old rivalry he had with the Oilers as a member of the Calgary Flames but stated that he is not focused on past history now. The Oilers have shown improvement defensively and offensively, making for an exciting Stanley Cup Final.
The B/R NHL staff have made their predictions for the series, with some favoring the Panthers due to their reliable secondary scoring and solid goaltending. Others believe that the Oilers' top-heavy offense and McDavid's leadership will lead them to victory.