Multiple Oilers forwards struggling against Panthers biggest strength in Cup Final
Photo credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images
The Edmonton Oilers are in final preparations for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals, and it appears that Game 2 showed that their bottom six forwards struggled against the Panthers.
The Panthers vaunted for check which is one of the most aggressive in the NHL was strong at work throughout Game 2 which prevented the Oilers from breaking out of their zone compared to Game 1.
Panthers adjusted in Game 2 which hemmed the Oilers
Just like the Lightning, Leafs and Carolina, the Panthers have an incredible ability to swarm the defenders in their own end which causes them to cycle repeatedly and tire them out while replacing their players with new players.
It was noted that the Oilers will need to make their adjustments in Game 3 now that the series has switched to Florida and they have now lost their ability for last change.
It's likely that head coach Kris Knoblauch will make several changes to his bottom 6 forwards which includes seeing forward Jeff Skinner been activated and helping his teammates adjust to this onslaught.
Like any series, not all are the same and it's safe to say the Oilers will need to make changes to compensate for the Panthers and their style of play.
Oilers strength has been secondary scoring in these playoffs
The Oilers have enjoyed watching their game come together especially in the playoffs and one of their key aspects of their improvement has been their secondary scoring.
The team has been getting contributions offensively across their four lines which has given opponents fits as it's been tough to defend against them.
But the Panthers have weapons of their own and it seems they have figured out but the bottom 6 currently as it cannot handle there forecheck.
If Knoblauch Can make his changes, the Oilers can at least take one game in Florida if the contributions continue.
If they do not, and the Panthers continue to dominate like they did in Game 2 at times, the Oilers may be in trouble and serious changes may be needed.
For now, it's Game 3 on a tied 1-1 series and there is plenty of time to figure out where this series will go.
Game 3 will be on Monday June 9th and game time will be 8:00 PM eastern.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 9 | 959 ANSWERS Multiple Oilers forwards struggling against Panthers biggest strength in Cup Final Do you think the Oilers can make the right adjustments to their game to counter the Panthers forecheck? | ||
| Yes | 796 | 83 % |
| No | 163 | 17 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
