Can the Edmonton Oilers Win the 2024 Stanley Cup?

Maybe.

Go show them what Edmonton’s got.#LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/TeU3kS9ejD

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) June 8, 2024

As the 2024 Stanley Cup Final approaches, hockey fans are buzzing with excitement. The Edmonton Oilers, led by the dynamic duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, are set to face off against the Florida Panthers. But what are the Oilers’ chances of hoisting the Stanley Cup for the first time since 1990? Let’s dive into the stats and see what the numbers say.

Regular Season Performance

The Oilers had a solid regular season, finishing with a record of 49-27-6, good for 104 points and second place in the Pacific Division[15]. Their offensive prowess was on full display, scoring 292 goals, which translates to an impressive 3.56 goals per game. Defensively, they allowed 236 goals, or 2.88 goals per game, which is respectable but not elite.

Playoff Journey

Edmonton’s playoff run has been nothing short of spectacular. They defeated the Los Angeles Kings in five games, the Vancouver Canucks in seven, and the Dallas Stars in six to reach the Finals. Their special teams have been a significant factor, boasting a 37.3% power play success rate and a 93.9% penalty kill rate, including a franchise-record 28 consecutive successful penalty kills.

Key Players

Connor McDavid
McDavid has been a force of nature in the playoffs, leading all players with 31 points (5 goals, 26 assists)[5]. His ability to control the game and make plays is unmatched, making him the frontrunner for the Conn Smythe Trophy with +200 odds.

Are you kidding me??#nhl #hockey #playoffs #connormcdavid #mcdavid #edmonton #oilers #dallas #stars #goal #game6 pic.twitter.com/whxgpIEUBt

— P.K. Subban (@PKSubban1) June 3, 2024

Leon Draisaitl
Draisaitl has also been stellar, contributing 28 points (10 goals, 18 assists) in the postseason. His chemistry with McDavid makes them one of the most dangerous duos in the league.

Evan Bouchard
Bouchard has emerged as a key player on the blue line, with 27 points (18 goals, 64 assists) in the playoffs. His ability to contribute offensively and defensively has been crucial for the Oilers.

Statistical Odds

According to various sportsbooks, the Oilers are slight underdogs with odds ranging from +105 to +122 to win the Stanley Cup.. However, Moneypuck.com gives them a 52% chance of winning the Cup, slightly favoring them over the Panthers.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths
– Offensive Firepower: The Oilers have the top four playoff scorers, including McDavid, Draisaitl, Bouchard, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
– Special Teams: Their power play and penalty kill have been exceptional, often turning the tide in close games.
– Resilience: The Oilers have shown the ability to win both high-scoring and low-scoring games, a testament to their balanced approach.

Weaknesses

– Secondary Scoring: While the top players have been outstanding, the Oilers’ secondary scoring has been inconsistent. Players like Ryan McLeod and Mattias Janmark will need to step up.
– Defensive Vulnerabilities: The Oilers have allowed a high number of high-danger shots, putting extra pressure on goaltender Stuart Skinner.

Head-to-Head with the Panthers

The Panthers are no pushovers, having defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning, Boston Bruins, and New York Rangers to reach the Final. They have a balanced team with strong goaltending from Sergei Bobrovsky and offensive threats like Matthew Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov.

Matthew Tkachuk excitedly telling Bobrovsky "I told you we'd be back" pic.twitter.com/FgD8Uxy454

— temporarily florida panthers archive (@mtkachukfiles) June 4, 2024

Expert Predictions Says What??

The expert predictions are split, with some favoring the Panthers due to their depth and experience, while others believe the Oilers’ star power will prevail. The consensus among NHL.com staff is slightly in favor of the Panthers, with 10 out of 16 predicting a Florida victory.

The Edmonton Oilers have a legitimate shot at winning the 2024 Stanley Cup. Their offensive firepower, special teams excellence, and the leadership of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl make them formidable opponents. While they face a tough challenge in the Florida Panthers, the Oilers’ statistical chances and recent form suggest they could very well bring the Cup back to Edmonton.

So, Oilers fans, get ready for an exhilarating series. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter or a casual observer, this Stanley Cup Final promises to be one for the ages. Let’s see if the Oilers can defy the odds and make history for the City Of Champions.

They Deserve this. Canada deserves this. Evander Kane doesn’t deserve this but eveyrone else does.