"Absolute beast": Ryan Whitney lauds Connor Brown for Oilers forward's resurgence after struggling regular season 

Edmonton Oilers right winger Connor Brown scored the opening goal of their 5-3 win against the Florida Panthers in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena. NHL analyst Ryan Whiteny could not contain his excitement after Brown’s showing on the night and heaped praise on the forward.

Connor Brown had only recorded a single goal, four assists and a plus-minus of +2 in 16 games during the 2024 playoffs, up until Game 4. His poor performances in the regular season had also drawn wide criticism from fans throughout the year.

However, he managed to step up when his team needed it most in Game 5. Brown scored a shorthanded goal to open the scoring for Edmonton.

Ryan Whitney took to X/Twitter to give Brown his dues and called him an "absolute beast." Whitney praised the forward’s solo drive to the net to score Edmonton's opening goal:

“Connor Brown you absolute beast. What a move. This guy is a machine right now. Just getting this team going for the second straight game. Unreal story after this regular season struggles. #LetsGoOilers”

Whitney pointed out that Connor Brown has been key for his team for the second consecutive game in the Stanley Cup Final. He mentioned that Brown's current success is particularly remarkable given the struggles he faced during the regular season.

---

Fans react to Connor Brown’s "excellent" shorty

Brown’s opening goal in the first half made it the second consecutive game where the Oilers managed to open their account with a shorthanded goal. The clip of Brown’s shorty has since been making rounds on the internet.

Following are some fan reactions from X/Twitter:

“Brutally excellent”

“Whoa, what a strike! Connor Brown's got the wheels on this one. That speed and agility are a combo to be reckoned with. The way he cuts across the ice, leaving defenders in his wake... pure magic. And that release, so smooth and powerful,” wrote one user.

Some fans pointed out Brown’s postseason resurgence. Some of them heaped praise on the player while some shared memes in the comments:

“I take back all I said about Brown at the start of the season. Super happy for him and glad he’s Oiler,” wrote one fan.

“Holy sh*t what a defensive play with the stick to get it out and then the short handed goal. HUGE! Skinner looking like Patrick Roy out there,” commented another user.

With the series still 3-2 in favor of the Panthers, Connor McDavid and Co. look to tie the series in Game 6 at Rogers Place on Friday and force a Game 7.