Oilers, Panthers Clash in Pivotal Game 4 of Stanley Cup Final

SUNRISE, Fla. — The Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers face off tonight in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final, with the Panthers leading the series 2-1 after a dominant performance in Game 3.

The Oilers are desperate to tie the series after losing Game 3 6-1, a game noted for excessive penalties including an astonishing 85 minutes for Edmonton. Coach Kris Knoblauch is making changes, but sticking with goaltender Stuart Skinner despite his rough outing. Skinner has a strong playoff record historically in Game 4s, with a perfect 6-0 record.

Florida’s offense has been on a roll, scoring five goals in each of their last two games, and players like Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand have been pivotal. Bennett leads the playoffs in goals, and both he and Marchand are on a scoring streak going into this game.

“The energy in this building is incredible. You can see the way the crowd feeds off of it,” Marchand said. “We’re ready to battle.” The Panthers hope to capitalize on their home-ice advantage, having won three of four home games last year in the Stanley Cup Final.

Edmonton’s Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl lead the team in points but have struggled to score in this series. McDavid has been effective as a playmaker, ranking first in assists this postseason, and the Oilers need them to find the back of the net to remain competitive.

“After a loss like that, you usually get a team’s best effort in the next game,” Marchand noted. “We have to make sure that we bring our best.” Fans will also be watching for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, who are expected to be in attendance tonight, adding additional buzz to the game.

With everything on the line, Game 4 will be a crucial contest in determining the future of the series. If the Panthers win, they can put the Oilers in a 3-1 hole, while an Oilers win will level things going back to Edmonton.

The puck drops at 8 p.m. ET.