3 reasons why Edmonton Oilers can force Game 7 Stanley Cup showdown against Panthers

The Edmonton Oilers have made the Stanley Cup Final interesting. The Oilers defeated the Florida Panthers 5-3 on Tuesday to extend the series to a Game 6 on Friday.

The Oilers went down 3-0 in the series and most expected Florida to win the Stanley Cup in either Game 4 or 5. But, Edmonton has rallied to win two straight games to bring the series back to Edmonton for Game 6.

The Oilers are -125 favorites to defeat Florida in Game 6 and here are three reasons why they can force a Game 7.

3 reasons why the Edmonton Oilers can force Game 7

#1. Back on home ice

The Edmonton Oilers have a good chance to win three straight and force the Stanley Cup Final to a Game 7, due to the Oilers being back on home ice in Game 6.

Edmonton has been excellent at home as it went 28-9-4 during the regular season and 7-4 in the playoffs. In Game 4, the arena was extremely loud and it will only be louder come Game 6.

If Edmonton can get to an early lead, the arena will be intense and will make it hard for the Panthers to play in.

#2. Pressure is on Florida

The Florida Panthers now have all the pressure on them, and the pressure could hinder their play.

In NHL history, 211 series have started 3-0 and only four times teams have come back and won the series. The last time a team came back from down 3-0 was in 2014 and it happened in the Stanley Cup Final only once in 1942.

“No, no, no,” Matthew Tkachuk said, via NHL.com about feeling the pressure. “It’s not an elimination game for us right now. We’re going up there. We have a 3-2 series lead. Just got to take care of business like we did in Game 3 (a 4-3 win in Edmonton).”

Although Florida said it isn't feeling the pressure, having to go back to Edmonton is tough.

#1. Connor McDavid

The biggest reason why Edmonton can come back and win the series is because the Oilers have the best player in the NHL, Connor McDavid, and he is playing like that.

McDavid had back-to-back games of recording four points, which is the first time an NHL player has accomplished that feat. The Oilers offense is also starting to find its groove and has found success against Sergei Bobrovsky.

If McDavid can keep playing at this level, Edmonton not only has a chance to force Game 7 but win the Stanley Cup.