Oilers Adjust Defense as Stanley Cup Final Ties at 1-1

SUNRISE, Fla. — The Edmonton Oilers are shaking up their defense pairs ahead of Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers on Monday night. The series is tied 1-1 after two intense overtime games.

Defenseman Darnell Nurse will now play alongside Evan Bouchard, while Mattias Ekholm pairs with John Klingberg and Brett Kulak teams up with Jake Walman. Coach Kris Knoblauch is making adjustments to maximize matchups and counter specific Panthers strategies.

<p“Nurse said, “It depends sometimes on what day of the week it is; we could be playing with someone new.” The Oilers have relied on familiarity throughout the playoffs, as many players have experience playing alongside each other. “There’s a comfort level everyone has with whoever you’re out there playing with,” he added.

The Oilers are looking to bounce back after suffering a tough 5-4 double overtime loss in Game 2. The Panthers have scored an NHL-leading 13 goals this postseason, while Florida’s Sam Bennett has been instrumental in their offensive success.

<p“Everyone understands the importance of focusing on our roles,” Ekholm said. “It doesn’t matter really who you’re playing with.”

The changes come after the Oilers’ defense struggled to keep traffic away from their goaltender, Stuart Skinner. Knoblauch remains confident in his players’ adaptability.

<p“The mistakes that could either cost you or pay dividends for you are crucial,” forward Adam Henrique commented. “Every shift matters so much.”

In two games, the Panthers have led for over 67 minutes, while the Oilers have outshot them 92-74, indicating how close the competition has been. Both teams are expected to deliver high-end performances in the looming Game 3.

<p“It’s all about staying in the moment,” Panthers forward Sam Reinhart said, underscoring the intensity of the series. “Small adjustments and slight bounces could tip the scales.”

Game 3 is set for Monday at 8 p.m. ET, promising yet another thrilling chapter in this championship battle.