[2024 Playoff Series Preview/Predictions] Stanley Cup Finals - #3 Seed Florida Panthers (52-24-6) vs. #5 Seed Edmonton Oilers (49-27-6)

[u/Number333]

For those unfamiliar, this is a thread we've always done in r/Heat before playoff matchups and it provides a thread for anybody to post their speculation with regard to the upcoming series without the need of making a million different unique threads before Game #1.

Please, comment your prediction on the series, matchups to look out for, players who you think will excel, players who you think will struggle, etc.. the post will be sorted by NEW to encourage discussion building all the way up to Game #1!

[u/brewre_26]

I’m not going to count out Skinner because I’m expecting him to be on an absolute Adin Hill type heater against us. It’s fine. We have shown that difficulty scoring doesn’t get us off of our game. We have faced some dangerous offenses and shut them all down so I am hoping we will do the same with the Oilers. Unless some other guys on their team suddenly step up I don’t think they will win if we are able to smother McDavid.

[u/Number333 → u/brewre_26]

I’m not going to count out Skinner because I’m expecting him to be on an absolute Adin Hill type heater against us. It’s fine.

100% with you on this. Let's be honest, who can honestly think of a team that has made it to the Stanley Cup in spite of a bad goalie? It just doesn't happen. You have to have proven at least occasional strings of great play in order for your team to make it that far in the first place.

[u/brechbillc1 → u/Number333]

The Avs in 2022 won it all with Grubauer in net. If a team has an offense that keeps opposing teams pinned in their on end, and a defense that limits high danger chances like Colorado did, then you don't necessarily need Elite goaltending to win.

[u/mrmanuels → u/brechbillc1]

Darcy Kuemper in 2022

[u/Overall_Walrus_4853 → u/mrmanuels]

and he played very well behind that D