Facing elimination in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, the Edmonton Oilers are under immense pressure to deliver a performance that can turn the tide against the Florida Panthers. With the Panthers holding a commanding lead in the series, analysts are suggesting that the Oilers need to pull out all the stops, essentially "play aces," to force a Game 7 back in Edmonton. This sentiment revolves around deploying their star players, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, in a manner that maximizes their impact, even if it means shaking up traditional line combinations.
One school of thought is that Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch should unite McDavid and Draisaitl on the same line from the start. The rationale behind this "nuclear option" is to ignite the team with an early lead, something they have struggled to achieve in recent games. Analyst Rob Brown believes that the Oilers have been consistently dominated in the first periods and should try to gain momentum early by using their two stars from the opening faceoff. The argument is that securing an early lead is paramount for the Oilers' chances of success.
An alternative approach suggests keeping McDavid and Draisaitl on separate lines but strategically double-shifting them throughout the game. This strategy aims to exploit mismatches and wear down the Panthers' top defensive players, such as Aleksander Barkov and Sam Reinhart. The idea, according to Rachel Dorrie, is that even elite defensive forwards cannot sustain playing upwards of 50 minutes a night at peak intensity. By rotating McDavid and Draisaitl onto the fourth line periodically, the Oilers can force Florida to deploy less capable players against them.
Jason Strudwick of the "Got Yer' Back" podcast also supports the idea of occasionally dropping McDavid and Draisaitl into the bottom lines. This tactic aims to get them away from Barkov, who has been very effective at slowing them down, and create more favorable matchups during the game. "Double-shifting the big guys" might be the key to unlocking the Oilers' offensive potential.
The challenge for the Oilers lies in the fact that the Panthers have the last change due to home-ice advantage, making it difficult for Edmonton to consistently dictate the matchups. Florida has more than just Barkov and Reinhart to throw against McDavid and Draisaitl.
Beyond the strategic deployment of their star players, the Oilers also face a crucial decision regarding their goaltending situation. Coach Knoblauch has remained tight-lipped about whether Stuart Skinner or Calvin Pickard will start in Game 6. Skinner began the playoffs as the starter but has had an inconsistent run, while Pickard stepped in and initially provided stability. Ultimately, the choice will come down to who the coaching staff believes gives them the best chance to win.
Adding to the Oilers' concerns is the health status of key players. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins did not participate in Monday's practice, although he is expected to be in the lineup for Game 6. However, potential lineup changes could see either Jeff Skinner or Vasily Podkolzin scratched, with John Klingberg possibly returning on defense.
Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers appear to be sticking with the same lineup that has brought them success. Coach Paul Maurice indicated that, barring any unforeseen circumstances, the same 12 forwards and six defensemen who have been in place since A.J. Greer's return from injury in Game 3 will be on the ice. Matthew Tkachuk, who battled injury earlier in the season, is reportedly feeling his best during this playoff run.
As the Oilers prepare for Game 6, the focus remains on Connor McDavid, who, despite leading all scorers through the first three rounds, only scored his first goal of the series in Game 5. McDavid acknowledged that he and the rest of the team need to elevate their game, and Coach Knoblauch believes that McDavid has been creating scoring chances that simply haven't materialized.
The Oilers are aiming to embrace a new mindset for the rematch against the Panthers, the team needs to execute flawlessly, capitalizing on every opportunity and minimizing mistakes. With their backs against the wall, the Edmonton Oilers must deliver a performance worthy of their talent and determination to keep their Stanley Cup hopes alive.
