The Edmonton Oilers are one win away from clinching the Stanley Cup, potentially completing one of the greatest comebacks in NHL and professional sports history. Game 7 poses their toughest challenge yet, with the Florida Panthers expected to give their best effort despite underperforming in the last three games. The last team to accomplish such a comeback was the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs, a feat achieved in a less competitive era, especially regarding goaltending. With many Oilers players seeking their first Stanley Cup, this Game 7 is a high-stakes showdown. Will the Oilers secure the greatest comeback in NHL history, or will the Florida Panthers prevent a reverse sweep and win their first-ever Stanley Cup?
Projected Lineup:
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins took a maintenance day on Sunday ahead of Monday night’s Game 7. Head Coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed, “He is fully expected to play,” likely on the top line with McDavid and Hyman, as in Game 6. The rest of the lineup is expected to remain unchanged, with Evander Kane likely sitting out. Coach Knoblauch is expected to stick with the lineup that has been highly effective in Games 4-6.
Zach Hyman, arguably the best recent free-agent signing in the NHL, joined the Edmonton Oilers in the summer of 2021 and has been a consistent performer ever since. It remains a mystery why Toronto didn’t re-sign him, but as an Oilers fan, the decision is appreciated. Hyman has been outstanding in the current playoffs, leading all active players with 16 goals in a single postseason.
