Connor McDavid issues striking message to doubters after Oilers' Game 2 loss - "Looking forward to people doubting us again" 

Connor McDavid issued a strong message to those who doubt the team following a tough 4-1 loss in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers on Monday.

The Oilers have had a season full of challenges, starting with a tough start that led to a coaching change during the regular season. Then they battled their way out of the NHL's bottom rankings to secure a spot in the playoffs.

Now, with two heavy defeats in the first two games of the Stanley Cup Final against the Panthers, the Oilers are once again tasked with overcoming big obstacles. Captain Connor McDavid is anticipating people to doubt the team once more.

During the post-game media interactions, McDavid emphasized that the team performs well under pressure and when facing challenges. Going into Game 3, the Oilers captain wants themselves to be considered underdogs again (via Sportsnet):

"It's supposed to be hard. It's supposed to be difficult. I'm excited to see what our group's made out of," McDavid said. “I’m excited to see our group come together, I’m excited to see us fight through adversity, and I’m looking forward to people doubting us again. We’re good with our backs against the wall."

The Oilers have continuously proven their doubters wrong this season and in the playoffs. While they haven't been able to bring their top-tier game in the first two matchups of the finals, Connor McDavid and Co. have shown time and again that the team is capable of winning big games all season and in the playoffs.

It will be intriguing to see whether the Oilers can defy expectations once more against the Panthers, and try to bounce back in the series.

Connor McDavid and Oilers suffer tough loss in Game 2

On Monday, the Edmonton Oilers suffered a tough 4-1 defeat to the Panthers in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena. This was the second consecutive game in the series where the Oilers lost by a three-goal margin, having lost 3-0 in Game 1.

The Oilers had a strong first period, with Mattias Ekholm putting them up 1-0 on Connor McDavid's assist at 9:34 to go 1-0 up into the third period.

However, following the first period, the Oilers slowed down and were finding it difficult to register shots on goal. They had three shots on goal compared to the Panthers' 13 in the period. Meanwhile, Niko Mikkola tied the game 1-1 at 9:34.

In the third period, the Panthers outperformed the Oilers and went on to score three goals, with Evan Rodrigues scoring two and Aaaron Ekbald scoring the winner in an empty net for the home team with less than three minutes remaining.

Sergei Bobrovsky made 18 saves on the night for the Panthers. Both teams have a long trek to Edmonton before Game 3 at Rogers Place on Thursday.