Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers extend their season with a dominant 8-1 win over the Florida Panthers in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final. McDavid’s four-point performance and Stuart Skinner’s 32 saves push the series to Game 5 in Sunrise.
Bollywood Fever: Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers are determined to keep their season alive, as they emphatically demonstrated by sending the Stanley Cup Final back to Florida.
McDavid netted his first goal of the series and added three assists in a four-point performance. Stuart Skinner was stellar with 32 saves, leading the Oilers to an 8-1 victory over the Florida Panthers in Game 4 on Saturday night, forcing Sergei Bobrovsky out of the net and avoiding a sweep. Game 5 will be held on Tuesday in Sunrise.
“We did our job on the offensive side today, but it’s just one win for us,” said star center Leon Draisaitl. “We have to get better and keep putting it together.”
The Panthers, on the brink of their first Stanley Cup, faltered significantly. Bobrovsky was pulled early in the second period after conceding five goals on 16 shots—more than he allowed in the first three games combined.
Whether driven by a fervent home crowd or executing coach Kris Knoblauch’s strategy, the Oilers dominated every aspect of the game. This complete effort was essential to extend their postseason.
The scoring began with Mattias Janmark capitalizing on a 2-on-1 rush with Connor Brown just 3:11 into the game. Janmark then assisted Adam Henrique, giving Edmonton a two-goal lead and marking Henrique’s second career goal in the Cup final.
The Oilers face daunting odds, as only four teams have overcome a 3-0 deficit in the playoffs, with the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs being the only one to do so in the final round. However, their belief surged after an offensive explosion and maintaining a lead, contrasting their earlier rounds’ defensive struggles. Even when Vladimir Tarasenko cut Florida’s deficit, Dylan Holloway’s two goals kept Edmonton in control, thrilling the home crowd.
McDavid, the reigning NHL MVP, added to the onslaught early in the second period and assisted on Darnell Nurse’s first playoff goal, leading to Bobrovsky’s exit amidst “Sergei! Sergei!” chants. Backup Anthony Stolarz then entered for his postseason debut.
The Panthers, anticipating a potential celebration with family members present, let their frustration show in post-whistle scrums. Edmonton capitalized, with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scoring on a 5-on-3 power play.
McDavid, with 32 assists this postseason, broke Wayne Gretzky’s 1988 record for the most assists in a single postseason. He outperformed his previous games in the series and led the Oilers while other stars were quiet.
Knoblauch’s strategic adjustments continued to pay off, moving Nugent-Hopkins to play with Draisaitl, resulting in key goals from the top lines. Fans, energized by the scoring spree, chanted “We want seven!” and sang along to Bon Jovi’s “It’s My Life,” culminating in Holloway’s second goal and Ryan McLeod’s late tally.
Skinner, celebrated with “STUUUU!” chants, delivered his best performance of the final, thwarting numerous high-quality chances from the Panthers.
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