The Florida Panthers are determined to maintain their confidence despite suffering a setback in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers. The Panthers experienced a disappointing 4-3 overtime loss on Wednesday, where they squandered a two-goal lead. However, with a best-of-7 series ahead, the team is focused on their upcoming challenges, starting with Game 2 at Rogers Place on Friday at 8 p.m. ET (broadcasted on CBC, TVAS, SN, TNT, truTV, and MAX).
Forward Matthew Tkachuk highlighted the team's resilience, stating, “We’ve got a lot of battle scars from the last few years, and we’ve faced tougher situations than just yesterday.” The Panthers have learned valuable lessons from their prior playoff experiences, and Tkachuk believes they can make necessary adjustments to reclaim momentum in Game 2.
This season has seen the Panthers lose Game 1 in five separate series during the 2023 playoffs. Remarkably, they have rebounded to win all but one of those series, only falling short against the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2023 Stanley Cup Final. Despite the challenges, the Panthers are optimistic about their chances of overcoming this early setback.
Forward Carter Verhaeghe emphasized the importance of learning from adversity, stating, “Every time you lose games or go through series where you’re down, you learn a lot.” The Panthers are aware that maintaining a strong mental attitude is crucial as they navigate the ups and downs of the series. The team is committed to refining their game, particularly in light of the Oilers' dominance in high-danger shots during Game 1.
Statistics from NHL EDGE Advanced Stats reveal that the Oilers held a significant advantage in high-danger shots, leading 15-6 in that category. Florida struggled against Edmonton’s forecheck, which resulted in prolonged defensive shifts. The Oilers recorded 14 shots compared to the Panthers' 7 in the first period, and 14 to 2 in the third period, ultimately outshooting Florida 10-3 in the overtime period.
Defenseman Seth Jones acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, “We went through some video and identified areas we can enhance, especially in the neutral zone.” Jones noted that the Oilers played a solid game defensively, effectively blocking numerous shots, which limited Florida's scoring opportunities.
Despite the loss, the Panthers showcased their potential during the second period, dominating with a 17-8 shot advantage. They initially secured a 3-1 lead following Sam Bennett's second goal just two minutes into the period. However, the Oilers swiftly responded, narrowing the gap with Viktor Arvidsson's goal shortly after.
As the game progressed, Connor McDavid assisted Mattias Ekholm in tying the game in the third period, and Leon Draisaitl sealed the victory for Edmonton with a power-play goal in overtime. This marked the first time in three consecutive postseasons that the Panthers lost after leading at the start of the third period (1-29 record).
Tkachuk acknowledged the Oilers' superior performance, stating, “They dictated more of the game than we did.” He expressed the need for the team to regroup and improve for Game 2. The Panthers can draw confidence from their successful playoff run, particularly their comeback against the Toronto Maple Leafs, where they overcame a two-game deficit and rallied to win the series in seven games.
The Panthers have also demonstrated strong performance on the road during the playoffs, holding an impressive 8-3 road record. Prior to Game 1, Florida had won five consecutive road games, showcasing their ability to thrive in challenging environments. Tkachuk emphasized the importance of winning Game 2 to regain home-ice advantage, stating, “Take one game and get home ice back. It’s that easy.”
As the Panthers prepare for Game 2, they embody an “us against the world” mentality, fully aware of the significance of this match in a hostile setting. Tkachuk concluded, “You treat it as a big-time must-win. I feel like that’s when we’re at our best.” With their eyes set on a crucial victory, the Panthers are ready to fight back and shift the momentum in the Stanley Cup Final.
