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Fans react to silence of top Oilers stars during Stanley Cup final

Posted on by angelo
Fans react to silence of top Oilers stars during Stanley Cup final

The Edmonton Oilers, known for their powerful offense, ran into an unexpected obstacle in the Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers. Despite their dominance of the regular season and previous playoffs, the Oilers’ top five point scorers failed to find the back of the net in the series. This sudden lack of goals from the team’s biggest stars has left fans and analysts perplexed. So far, Edmonton’s top five scorers have looked nearly unstoppable.

One fan remarked: “Because they met the best and most complete hockey player in the world, Aleksander Barkov!!! » Barkov’s defensive prowess was instrumental in stopping Edmonton’s elite forwards. His ability to neutralize the best players is increasingly recognized outside of Florida. He may be one of the most underrated players in the game, but many are beginning to realize his impact on the series. “That’s what Barkov does to the best players in the league. I love that he is recognized as the absolute best hockey player in the NHL, this series clearly shows that,” said another X.com user.

Related: Panthers win Game 3 against Oilers, Stanley Cup win

The Panthers’ defense, led by Barkov, has been described as the best in the league, further explaining the Oilers’ struggles. “It’s almost like they’re playing the best defense in the league now,” another fan noted. “The fact that the Oilers’ top five scorers are scoreless just confirms that the Panthers are the best team in the NHL, with a stifling defense.”

Why can’t Oilers’ McDavid and Draisaitl go?

Connor McDavid, the Oilers captain, carries the offensive burden, but has failed to break through consistently. “McDavid carries this offense. Draisaitl is invisible,” observed one frustrated supporter. Draisaitl himself said after the Game 3 loss, “I pride myself on being good in the playoffs and playing well, but I just can’t seem to get things going.” »

Leon Draisaitl, Connor McDavid, Oilers

The lack of contribution from other stars was glaring, leading to doubts about the Oilers’ ability to win a championship. “McDavid never gets a cut against the Oilers,” said one pessimistic fan.

The series has been frustrating for Edmonton, who have struggled to regain their scoring touch. For hockey fans, even those without a dog in the fight, Edmonton’s lack of a goal is disconcerting. This is a team that scored almost at will during the regular season and in the three series leading up to their matchup against the Panthers. Now the top players have gone cold, with goals from Mattias Ekholm, Warren Foegele, Philip Broberg and Ryan McLeod.

That the big guns aren’t producing, even against a stellar defense, is a real headache. “You’d think someone would break through eventually, but so far, nothing,” one fan commented.

As the Stanley Cup Final continues, the Oilers must find a way to overcome the Panthers’ stifling defense if they hope to turn the series around.

Next: Oilers can still unleash a stalled offense in the Stanley Cup Final