Writers cut up between Florida, Edmonton; Bobrovsky, Barkov, McDavid favorites for MVP
The Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers will meet within the Stanley Cup Remaining for the second straight season and NHL.com writers and editors are cut up down the center on who will win.
Of the 16 staffers who made their predictions, eight picked the Panthers to repeat as champs and eight suppose the Oilers will get revenge after a seven-game loss final 12 months.
As for who will win the Conn Smythe Trophy, voted as most respected participant within the playoffs, Edmonton captain Connor McDavid, the winner in a shedding effort final 12 months, acquired seven votes, with middle Leon Draisaitl getting one. For Florida, captain Aleksander Barkov and goalie Sergei Bobrovsky acquired 4 votes every.
Right here is how they picked:
Amalie Benjamin, senior author
Convention finals file: 1-1
General file: 9-5
PICK: Oilers in 7
WHY: This can be a robust choose. However nearly as good because the Panthers have appeared over the primary three rounds, as sensible and as dogged and as true to their fashion as they’ve performed, I simply suppose revenge will carry the Oilers previous. They had been devastated once they introduced the Cup Remaining again to Sport 7 final season, narrowly shedding by one objective, and so they got here again hungry and prepared. With Stuart Skinner wanting like he can maintain the fort in objective and McDavid and Draisaitl working their magic, I believe it’s lastly time for the sport’s greatest participant to recover from the hump and get his Cup. Very similar to the Panthers did after shedding the Cup Remaining to the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023 and coming again to win it final season, I believe the Oilers are going to be able to show themselves and their mettle. It’s their 12 months.
CONN SMYTHE WINNER: Leon Draisaitl, Oilers
EDM@DAL, Gm5: Oilers earn second straight Clarence S. Campbell Bowl
Brian Compton, managing editor
Convention finals file: 1-1
General file: 7-7
PICK: Panthers in 6
WHY: You possibly can’t say sufficient about both group discovering its means by means of this grind to return to the Cup Remaining. I might have favored the Oilers’ possibilities extra with a wholesome Zach Hyman, given how bodily he was till his damage; that may have suited this collection particularly nicely in opposition to the Panthers. However including Brad Marchand to what was already a group designed to play right now of 12 months would show to be an excessive amount of for Edmonton. And in addition to Skinner has responded in objective for the Oilers because the first spherical, I’ve to offer the sting right here to Sergei Bobrovsky.
CONN SMYTHE WINNER: Aleksander Barkov, Panthers
Nicholas J. Cotsonika, columnist
Convention finals file: 1-1
General file: 7-7
PICK: Panthers in 6
WHY: The Panthers can sustain with the Oilers offensively, and so they’re tighter defensively. They’re extra bodily and higher in objective. Hyman is a big loss for Edmonton. The ahead, out for the collection with an upper-body damage, leads the playoffs with 111 hits. The Oilers have 648 hits in 16 video games this postseason, whereas the Panthers lead the playoffs with 812 hits in 17 video games. In addition to Skinner has performed currently in objective, Bobrovsky nonetheless has the sting. Since reclaiming the online Could 10, Skinner has gone 6-2 with a 1.73 goals-against common, .931 save proportion and three shutouts for Edmonton. Over the identical interval, Bobrovsky has gone 7-2 with a 1.34 GAA, .944 save proportion and two shutouts for Florida. The Panthers will repeat.
CONN SMYTHE WINNER: Sergei Bobrovsky, Panthers
FLA@CAR, Gm5: Panthers win third straight Prince of Wales Trophy
Wiliam Douglas, employees author
Convention finals file: 1-1
General file: 11-3
PICK: Panthers in 7
WHY: It’s arduous to go in opposition to McDavid, one of the best participant on the earth, however I believe Florida has a resilience and all-business strategy that can serve it nicely within the Remaining rematch. The addition of Seth Jones from the Chicago Blackhawks has made the Panthers protection larger, extra cell and added scoring punch. Including Marchand from the Boston Bruins has given Florida extra scoring depth and one other pest to placed on the ice in opposition to McDavid and Co., together with All Star agitator Matthew Tkachuk. Skinner has been excellent in objective currently for the Oilers, however the edge goes to Bobrovsky, who has elevated his recreation in every collection. Nonetheless, defeating Edmonton gained’t be simple. However then it wasn’t final 12 months, both.
CONN SMYTHE WINNER: Sergei Bobrovsky, Panthers
Tom Gulitti, senior author
Convention finals file: 1-1
General file: 11-3
PICK: Oilers in 6
WHY: Edmonton has been working towards this Stanley Cup Remaining rematch since shedding to Florida in seven video games final season and is healthier ready for it this time. After showing outmatched in shedding the primary three video games, the Oilers discovered their footing in Sport 4 and practically got here again to win the collection earlier than falling brief in a 2-1 loss in Sport 7. Studying from that have, they gained’t be on their heels to start out this collection and shouldn’t need to climb out of an 0-3 gap once more. McDavid is pushed to win the Cup for the primary time and can end the job.
CONN SMYTHE WINNER: Connor McDavid, Oilers
EDM@DAL, Gm5: McDavid extends Oilers’ lead in 2nd interval
Pete Jensen, senior director, fantasy
Convention finals file: 0-2
General file: 7-7
PICK: Oilers in 6
WHY: There are such a lot of causes to imagine in Edmonton proper now: the additional motivation from final 12 months’s Stanley Cup Remaining Sport 7 loss; its scoring depth and even-strength play this postseason (outscoring opponents 42-26 at 5-on-5); its greatest participant, McDavid, using the momentum from his 4 Nations Face-Off championship-winning objective with Canada in pursuit of the Stanley Cup; the return of defenseman Mattias Ekholm in entrance of an already dominant Skinner. However the way in which the Oilers have rallied in lots of video games this postseason and dismantled three deep, structured groups up to now offers them an actual likelihood to take down the ferocious Panthers. I’m going again to my preseason Cup choose as a result of Edmonton has proven it may possibly win in each which means.
CONN SMYTHE WINNER: Connor McDavid, Oilers
Adam Kimelman, deputy managing editor
Convention finals file: 0-2
General file: 7-7
PICK: Panthers in 6
WHY: The Panthers and Oilers are totally different than once they met within the Remaining a 12 months in the past, however one factor that feels comparable is Florida’s dominance. The Panthers are simply constructed for the Stanley Cup Playoff grind, and that is why I believe they’re going to repeat as Cup champs. They’re deeper up entrance with the way in which they’ve gotten manufacturing from the third line of Marchand, Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen. And the addition of Jones and the expansion of Niko Mikkola offers them a greater top-four protection than they’d a 12 months in the past. And I do know the Oilers are higher defensively than a 12 months in the past — and the way in which they restricted the Dallas Stars to 17 photographs on the highway in an elimination recreation Thursday was spectacular — however I’ve a tricky time trusting Skinner in a giant spot. Florida did not rejoice after eliminating the Carolina Hurricanes within the Jap Convention Remaining; the Panthers know the one celebration that issues would be the one they’ve after they win the Cup once more.
CONN SMYTHE WINNER: Aleksander Barkov, Panthers
The fellows talk about the Florida Panthers advancing to their third straight Stanley Cup
Mike G. Morreale, senior draft author
Convention finals file: 1-1
General file: 11-3
PICK: Panthers in 7
WHY: Full disclosure: I had the Panthers repeating as champion and Barkov successful the Conn Smythe Trophy from the outset of the playoffs, however have been extra impressed by what the Oilers have been capable of obtain this postseason. Nonetheless, no motive to vary my prediction now, significantly since Florida has the look of a group primed to win a second straight Stanley Cup after including important items up entrance (Marchand) and on protection (Jones). The Panthers formally turn out to be a dynasty after successful this collection that I imagine will go the space as long as Bobrovsky stays wholesome.
CONN SMYTHE WINNER: Aleksander Barkov, Panthers
Tracey Myers, employees author
Convention finals file: 1-1
General file: 8-6
PICK: Panthers in 7
WHY: OK, I’m actually torn on this one. I used to be tempted to simply flip a coin and go from there. I imagine the Oilers are stronger coming into this Stanley Cup Remaining than they had been final 12 months and had been dominant within the Western Convention Remaining in opposition to the Stars. However there’s one thing concerning the Panthers that simply amazes me and convinces me they are going to win a second straight Stanley Cup. That is their third consecutive season within the Remaining. Logic tells you they need to be bodily damaged at this level, given the quantity of hockey they’ve performed the previous three seasons, but they carry on going and going. That is going to be one heck of a Cup Remaining; I simply suppose Florida takes it once more.
CONN SMYTHE WINNER: Sergei Bobrovsky, Panthers
Invoice Value, Editor-in-Chief
Convention finals file: 1-1
General file: 10-4
PICK: Oilers in 7
WHY: Here’s what we all know. This may go seven video games, as a result of, why not? We additionally know McDavid will win the Conn Smythe for a second straight season as a result of he’s one of the best participant on the planet. The query is will he win the Conn Smythe and the Stanley Cup, or will he be the MVP on the shedding facet once more? I say sure to the primary a part of that query. Positive, the Panthers defeated the Oilers final season, however there is no such thing as a query Edmonton is significantly better outfitted for Florida and the Remaining this season. Initially, the Oilers could have house ice, in contrast to final 12 months, and secondly, they know what sort of recreation the Panthers play. Now shedding ahead Zach Hyman to damage is big and also you do surprise if Skinner can hold taking part in at his present stage, however there must be no doubting McDavid and Edmonton this time round. It gained’t be simple and I might not be shocked if Florida wins it once more, however this feels prefer it’s McDavid’s time to lastly hoist the Cup.
CONN SMYTHE WINNER: Connor McDavid, Oilers
The fellows talk about the Oilers advancing in a win over the Stars
Shawn P. Roarke, senior director of editorial
Convention finals file: 1-1
General file: 8-6
PICK: Panthers in 6
WHY: To be the person, it’s a must to beat the person, as Ric Aptitude mentioned greater than as soon as in his illustrious wrestling profession. Florida continues to be the person. It proved it on this playoff run. Within the second spherical, the Panthers had been down 2-0 within the collection to the Toronto Maple Leafs and had been shedding Sport 3. But, they rallied, successful 4 of 5 in that collection and 4 of 5 in opposition to the Hurricanes within the Jap Convention Remaining. That’s .800 hockey throughout their previous 10 video games. With the additions of Marchand and Jones they’re arguably higher than the group that jumped to a 3-0 collection lead in opposition to the Oilers earlier than stumbling house in seven final 12 months. It will likely be entertaining, will probably be fierce, will probably be riveting, however in the long run, it’ll finish because it did final season. Florida will nonetheless be the person.
CONN SMYTHE WINNER: Aleksander Barkov, Panthers
Dan Rosen, senior author
Convention finals file: 1-1
General file: 8-6
PICK: Oilers in 6
WHY: The reply right here is straightforward. It’s as a result of the Oilers touched the Clarence S. Campbell Bowl. Duh. After all. Reverse the curse, proper? They didn’t contact it final 12 months and misplaced in seven to the Panthers. So contact it this 12 months and so they win it. Simple arithmetic, actually. However in all seriousness, it’s as a result of they remind me plenty of the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009, once they gained the Stanley Cup in opposition to the Detroit Purple Wings after shedding to them within the Stanley Cup Remaining in 2008. It’s the previous stay and study, get a second crack on the similar opponent, and be higher for it. Edmonton continues to be led by McDavid and Draisaitl, identical to Pittsburgh was by Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. However just like the Penguins in 2009, the Oilers are higher throughout their generational stars. They won’t be intimidated by the second. They won’t be overwhelmed. They won’t lose the primary three video games like they did final 12 months. They’re rolling and so they have house ice this time. Edmonton would be the metropolis of champions once more. Lock it in.
CONN SMYTHE WINNER: Connor McDavid, Oilers
David Satriano, employees author
Convention finals file: 1-1
General file: 9-5
PICK: Panthers in 6
WHY: This one might go both means, however for me, it’ll come all the way down to depth and Florida is only a deeper group up and down the lineup. When your stars aren’t producing, you want the depth gamers to. With 21 of twenty-two skaters who’ve performed at the very least one playoff recreation scoring some extent and 19 of them having at the very least one objective, what extra are you able to ask for? And when all else fails, they’ve future Corridor of Famer Bobrovsky in web to bail them out.
CONN SMYTHE WINNER: Sergei Bobrovsky, Panthers
NHL Tonight on the Panthers advancing to the Stanley Cup Remaining
Dave Stubbs, columnist
Convention finals file: 1-1
General file: 12-2
PICK: Oilers in 7
WHY: It’s not plagiarism whenever you copy and paste your self, which I do right here from final season (simply including one 12 months) as a result of the feelings nonetheless maintain: It has been 32 years this spring since Canada loaned the Stanley Cup to the US and it’s time that the 1892 reward to this nation from then-Governor Normal Lord Stanley of Preston got here house. From Barkov to Bobrovsky, Florida is a superb group. However I need to see McDavid, arguably the best participant in hockey in the present day, press the Stanley Cup overhead and watch Edmonton, again in its dynasty Eighties often known as the Metropolis of Champions, lose its thoughts in celebration. To a full technology of Canadians, the Stanley Cup has been solely a rumor. Nothing scientific about this choose, nevertheless it’s time that fantasy grew to become actuality.
CONN SMYTHE WINNER: Connor McDavid, Oilers
Derek Van Diest, employees author
Convention finals file: 2-0
General file: 11-3
PICK: Oilers in 6
WHY: I discover it tough to think about McDavid and Draisaitl being defeated within the Stanley Cup Remaining for the second consecutive season. The 2 superstars are wholesome and have taken their recreation to a different stage. Additionally they have a stronger, extra skilled supporting forged than they’d a 12 months in the past. As soon as wholesome, the Oilers rolled by means of the Western Convention, successful 4 straight to dispatch the Los Angeles Kings and eliminating the Golden Knights and Stars in 5 video games every. Edmonton is rolling and getting contributions up and down the lineup. The Oilers have been ready a whole 12 months for this chance, and I can’t see them being denied. McDavid and Draisaitl would be the distinction within the collection and convey the Stanley Cup again to Canada.
CONN SMYTHE WINNER: Connor McDavid, Oilers
Mike Zeisberger, employees author
Convention finals file: 2-0
General file: 11-3
PICK: Oilers in 7
WHY: Are the Panthers a greater group than the one which beat the Oilers 2-1 in Sport 7 of the Stanley Cup Remaining a 12 months in the past? Sure, due to including Marchand and Jones within the second half of the season. However so, too, are the Oilers, some extent Stars coach Pete DeBoer emphasised after his group was eradicated by Edmonton on Thursday. In line with DeBoer, the Oilers play a a lot tighter, playoff-friendly defensive construction than they did final 12 months, including that additionally they have higher depth. The very fact they’ve house ice benefit ought to it come down to a different Sport 7 is big, given the raucous nature at Rogers Place and, for that matter, your complete metropolis. However the principle motive I’m choosing Edmonton? The Oilers had been my preseason choose to win the Cup 9 months in the past. The proof is on the internet. Let’s see if they will show me proper. This a lot is for certain: It gained’t be simple.
CONN SMYTHE WINNER: Connor McDavid, Oilers
