The Edmonton Oilers are on the verge of a historic comeback as they prepare to host the Florida Panthers for Game 6 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final on Friday. Only two teams in NHL history, the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs and the 1945 Detroit Red Wings, have managed to force a Game 7 after losing the first three games of the Final. Edmonton is poised to join this elite group.

The Oilers faced a tough challenge in the second round against the Vancouver Canucks, trailing 3-2 before rallying to win the last two games. Their resilience has been a defining factor throughout the postseason, highlighted by an explosive offensive performance. After a slow start in the Final, where they scored just one goal in the first two games, Edmonton has found its rhythm, netting an impressive 16 goals over the last three contests.

Key to their recent success has been their dominance on special teams. The Oilers boast a remarkable 93.9% success rate on the penalty kill, the best in over 40 years with a minimum of 15 games played in a postseason. They have thwarted 43 of their last 44 penalty kills and capitalized with three short-handed goals during this stretch.

Offensively, Edmonton has been led by their star players. Connor McDavid, the NHL’s leading scorer this postseason with 42 points, is closing in on the all-time playoff record set by Wayne Gretzky in 1985. Defenseman Evan Bouchard has been outstanding with 32 points, setting a new record for defensemen in a single playoff year. Meanwhile, Zach Hyman leads all players with 15 goals, showcasing the Oilers’ depth and scoring ability.

Mr. Sure Thing’s algorithm has analyzed these trends and statistics, predicting a strong performance from the Oilers in Game 6 as they look to extend the series to a decisive Game 7. The algorithm considers factors such as current form, player matchups, and historical data to provide insights into why Edmonton is favored to win and force a thrilling conclusion to the Stanley Cup Final.

Don’t miss the action as the Oilers face off against the Panthers at Rogers Place, with puck drop scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Edmonton enters the game as a -120 favorite, reflecting the confidence in their ability to continue their playoff journey.