In the blink of an eye, the [Edmonton Oilers](/nhl/team/_/name/edm/edmonton-oilers) were one shot away from taking a 2-0 lead in the Stanley Cup Final against Florida. However, fate had something else in store for them. A shot in the second overtime of Game 2 gave the [Panthers](/nhl/team/_/name/fla/florida-panthers) a 5-4 victory, thus tying the series that now moves to the state of Florida.
For Edmonton, splitting the home games was a bitter pill to swallow. But the Oilers are determined not to dwell on the past.
Right after the game, there’s frustration and the “what ifs” start to go through your head a little bit. But the next day you move on. You have no other choice. We have to get ready for Game 3 tomorrow, come here and look to play our best game.
Leon Draisaitl
The Cup Final has highlighted dominant moments for both teams, demonstrating how tight the margin for error is. Edmonton managed to beat Florida 4-3 in Game 1 thanks to Draisaitl’s overtime goal, a dramatic start to the rematch of last year’s final, where Florida defeated the Oilers in seven games. The growing intensity in Game 2 further solidified how close the series is projected to be.
Edmonton has learned from experience, which helps them manage the inevitable emotions that come with the quest for the Holy Grail of hockey.Especially at this point, given the magnitude of the series, you feel more comfortable with the emotions. There will be ups and downs. There are two really good teams playing each other. There’s almost zero chance of a sweep. So, you’re going to face some challenges at some point. For us, in Game 2, losing in double overtime, we were coming off an emotional high [from Game 1], and then we went into an emotional low. But now we come back and we know the importance of this Game 3 and of playing hard.
Darnell Nurse
Getting back on the road can also be beneficial. Edmonton has only lost one game on enemy territory in their last two playoff series. It’s a bit different now being back in Florida, considering that’s where Edmonton lost Game 7 of the Cup Final last year, but the Oilers are hoping to feel at home in Sunrise.
We have a good mentality on the road: sticking together, that’s been very important. The faith in our group and the faith in each other is huge. It’s the name of the game here, when you go far in the playoffs, finding that balance between not being too up or too down. It was an emotional win in Game 1. Both teams have felt that.
Connor Brown
Coach Kris Knoblauch gathered his team for Sunday’s on-ice session, knowing that key Oilers figures, including Draisaitl and [Connor McDavid](/nhl/player/_/id/3895074/connor-mcdavid), would lead by example to help Edmonton turn the page and focus on their next matchup against the Panthers.
I’ve seen it firsthand, no matter where we are after a big win or loss, they really set the tone and a ‘This is serious’ work mentality. Today was a small practice day, almost a formality, but they’re getting out on the ice and there’s repetition and drills and they’re focused. Everyone knows what’s at stake right now, and it’s not to be taken lightly, [so] let’s make sure we prepare for our next game.
Kris Knoblauch
We’re always making adjustments and countering what the other team is doing, [and evaluating] who’s playing well. Our lines and defensive pairings might change a little bit, whether it’s in the first period or later in the game, whatever it is. Our players are comfortable with any of the changes we make, precisely because of how often we’ve fluctuated our lines and pairings throughout the season.
Kris Knoblauch
Everything to gain an edge. It’s been a series quickly defined by high scores and little flexibility. Edmonton doesn’t expect much to change in Game 3, or after.
You’re not going to face many teams that you can just outplay for 60 minutes. Both games have been really tight and gone the distance and overtime, so you have two really good teams going at it. We have to stay detailed and know that all those little bounces matter.
Leon Draisaitl
