The Stanley Cup Playoffs continued last night. It was game three of the Stanley Cup Finals between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers. The Panthers were leading the series going into last nights game. They won both of the first two games in the series. Game three was in Edmonton. The Panthers look to take a three game lead in the series. The Oilers looked to get their first win of the series after a disappointing first two games. The treat of a potential sweep lingered over this game.
The Florida Panthers took on the Edmonton Oilers in game three of the 2024 Stanley Cup Finals. This was the first game of the series in Edmonton. It was also the first Stanley Cup Finals game in Edmonton since 2006. The Panthers won game one 3-0 and game two 4-1. Oilers fans were optimistic heading into game three. Down two games to zero the fanbase was as eager to see the Oilers win as ever. The Home crowd wanted to boost the team in a comeback for the ages. On the other side the Panthers fans were already acting like they won the cup. The Panthers did have some trouble leaving Florida. They only left the day before the game. Their takeoff was also delayed due to weather. They were in Edmonton on time and ready for puck drop. This game was the most important game of the season so far for the Edmonton Oilers. This was going to be the series deciding game. This game felt big. If the Oilers did not pull off the game three win, their season was over.
With just over a minute left in the first period, #13 Sam Reinhart scored to give the Panthers the lead. His goal was assisted by #42 Gustav Forsling and #16 Aleksander Barkov. The Panthers had a 1-0 lead after the first period.
Just under two minutes into the second period, #37 Warren Foegele scored for the Oilers to tie the game. His goal was assisted by #19 Adam Henrique.
With ten minutes left in the second period, #10 Vladimir Tarasenko scored to give the Panther the lead. His goal was assisted by #27 Eetu Luostarinen and #15 Anton Lundell.
With sic minutes left in the second period, #9 Sam Bennett scored to give the Panthers a two goal lead. His goal was assisted by Matthew Tkachuk.
Just under two minutes after taking a two goal lead, #16 Aleksander Barkov scored to give the Panthers a three goal lead. His goal was assisted by #17 Evan Rodrigues and #13 Sam Reinhart. The Panthers had a 4-1 lead going into the third period.
With just under fourteen minutes left in the game, #86 Philip Broberg scored for the Oilers to bring the lead back down to two goals. His goal was assisted by #97 Connor McDavid and #25 Darnell Nurse.
With just over five minutes left in the game, #71 Ryan McLeod scored for the Oilers to bring the lead down to one goal. His goal was assisted by #27 Breet Kulak and #97 Connor McDavid. The Oilers would get a couple more chances and pulled their goal but were not able to find the equalizing goal. The final score was 4-3 Panthers. The Florida Panthers now lead the 2024 Stanley Cup Finals 3-0.
The Oilers came to life in the third period of this game. It was not enough but they came close to tying the game which is more than can be said for the first two games. The focus now is on game four. The Edmonton Oilers would have to do the impossible to come back and win this series. The Florida Panthers just have to win one out of a possible four games. The Oilers would have to win four straight. The Oilers would have to be perfect for four games. There has not been a sweep in the Stanley Cup Finals since 1998. The Panthers have the chance to be the first team to sweep a Stanley Cup Final in twenty six years. The Panthers have the advantage for the rest of the series. If the Panthers win game four it will be their first Stanley Cup win. It will also be the first time the Edmonton Oilers have been swept in the Stanley Cup Finals.
Game four of the 2024 Stanley Cup Finals will be on Saturday, June 15th, 2024. Puck drop is scheduled for 5:00 PM. That game will be in Edmonton. The Panthers will have a chance to win the series and the Stanley Cup in game four.
The Washington Capitals, Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Islanders, Winnipeg Jets, Los Angeles Kings, Nashville Predators, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vegas Golden Knights, Carolina Hurricanes, Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, Vancouver Canucks, New York Rangers, and Dallas Stars have been eliminated from the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The New York Rangers, Florida Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche, Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Canucks, Boston Bruins, and Dallas Stars advanced to the second round.
The New York Rangers and Florida Panthers advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals. The Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers advanced to the Western Conference Finals.
The Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers have advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals.
Zac Electrifly 
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