How Panthers, Oilers can win Game 6 of Stanley Cup Final

The Florida Panthers can wrap up their second consecutive Stanley Cup title with a home victory on Tuesday, June 17.

The Edmonton Oilers will try to force a Game 7 for the second season in a row.

The Panthers won Game 5 on June 14 to break a 2-2 tie in the best-of-seven Stanley Cup Final. Teams that have done that have won the championship 19 of the previous 26 times.

If the Panthers win Game 6, they’ll celebrate again in front of their home fans. If the Oilers win, Game 7 will be on Friday, June 20 in Edmonton, Alberta.

Here’s a look at what each team needs to do to win Game 6:

How Florida Panthers can win Game 6

Repeat Game 5 performance: The Panthers put on a defensive gem in Game 5, holding the high-flying Oilers to three shots in the first period and 21 shots overall. The Oilers didn’t score in the 5-2 Panthers win until the third period when they were down 3-0.

Get the early lead: They’ve outscored the Oilers 7-0 in the first period over the last three games. It didn’t help them in Game 4 as Edmonton staged a major rally. But it’s easier for the Panthers to play their style when they have the lead.

Take advantage of the last line change: The Panthers are best when rolling lines. But they should try to get center Aleksander Barkov and defenseman Gustav Forsling out against Connor McDavid when possible, especially when the Oilers use McDavid and Leon Draisaitl together.

How Edmonton Oilers can win Game 6

Remember last year: The Oilers, who fell behind 3-0 in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, dug down and won three consecutive games before losing in Game 7. They only have to win two in a row this year for their first title since 1990. They have it in them.

Stay out of the penalty box: The Oilers were short-handed four times in the first period of Game 3 and three times in the first period of Game 4. They gave up a combined three power-play goals. They were more disciplined in Game 5.

Key an eye on Brad Marchand: The 37-year-old has been spectacular in the Panthers’ wins. He had two breakaway goals in Game 2, including in overtime. He scored 56 seconds into Game 3. He scored twice in Game 5, splitting the Oilers defense off a faceoff win at center ice for his first goal. He scored his second goal after a high-skilled move around defenseman Jake Walman.