Evander Kane beats all Florida Panthers in this critical playoff stat
Heading into the Stanley Cup Final, one thing people may be worried about for the Oilers chances is the Florida Panthers' physicality. Thankfully, the Oilers have Evander Kane.
Despite playing through a sports hernia injury through the entire playoffs, Kane is the only player remaining in the playoffs with more than 60 hits.
Kane currently has 62 hits in 18 playoff games, making him one of the most physical players in the entire playoffs, just behind Dakota Joshua and Vincent Trocheck. On the Florida Panthers, Aaron Ekblad and Sam Bennett are leading their team in hits, with 54 and 53 respectively.
Now in the Stanley Cup Final, teams on both sides are incredibly worn down. Any advantage gained by leaning into the other team and making them feel the stings of injuries along the way is needed by either team. Not only that, but the Panthers have a reputation for being one of the most physical and pest-like teams in hockey, and they're sure to bring the fight to the Oilers.
Evander Kane leads the Oilers in hits, but many more teammates now contribute to the team's newfound toughness. Corey Perry, Sam Carrick, Vincent Desharnais, and pretty much everyone else won't shy away from a fight anymore, and they'll be more than ready to take on the Panthers. Still, to wear the Panthers down and to weather their brand of hockey, the Oilers will need to up the physicality.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 6 | 447 ANSWERS Evander Kane beats all Florida Panthers in this critical playoff stat Do you think the Panthers physicality will be too much for the Edmonton Oilers in the Cup Final? | ||
| Yes, the Panthers will overwhelm the Oilers | 89 | 19.9 % |
| No, the Oilers can hold their ground | 344 | 77 % |
| See Results | 14 | 3.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
