The Stanley Cup Final showcased some impressive playoff beards, with players from the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers letting their facial hair flourish. Jonah Gadjovich of the Panthers humorously noted the state of his beard, while praising teammates who have improved since last year. Fans have embraced their players' beards, with some even creating fan groups based on their favorite players' distinct looks. Special mentions included Mattias Ekholm's Viking-inspired beard, recognized by dedicated fans, and Stuart Skinner's woolly goaltender beard that reflects his playoff journey.

As the competition heated up, some players utilized their beards for playful taunting, like Gadjovich during his encounter with Darnell Nurse. Other distinctions were made, like Jake Walman's grooming-ready beard, and the comedic nature of Anton Lundell's attempts at growing one. Ultimately, Sam Bennett of the Panthers won the coveted 'Beard of the Year' for his performance and impressive facial hair, which has become a symbol of his contributions to the Panthers' playoff run.

The Edmonton Oilers, once favored to win the Stanley Cup, are facing elimination for the second consecutive year. Trailing the Florida Panthers 3-2 in the best-of-seven finals, they must secure victories in both Game 6 and 7 to clinch their first championship in 35 years. The series has been marked by alternating wins, yet the Oilers struggle with slow starts, being outscored 11-4 in first periods overall. Mattias Ekholm highlighted their need to improve, stating they are often flat at the game's outset.

Furthermore, the Oilers' goaltending issues have come to the forefront, with Stuart Skinner showing inconsistency and Calvin Pickard being pulled after allowing four goals. Coach Kris Knoblauch is faced with tough decisions on starting goalies as they prepare for the critical next game. Despite having high-quality chances, the Oilers' offense has faltered, emphasizing the necessity for early scoring to relieve their goalies from excessive pressure, especially in crucial moments of this tight series.

The Edmonton Oilers opened the Stanley Cup Final with a hard-fought victory over the Florida Panthers, overcoming a 3-1 deficit to win Game 1. Key to their success was defenseman Mattias Ekholm, who scored a critical goal to tie the game and has made a significant impact since returning from injury. Coach Kris Knoblauch praised Ekholm's leadership and contribution, while star Connor McDavid emphasized his importance both on and off the ice. Ekholm's regular-season stats of nine goals and 24 assists highlight his capability, and if he maintains this form, the Oilers could be poised to win their first Cup since 1990.

The Stanley Cup Final is poised to be a nail-biter, as demonstrated by the Edmonton Oilers' thrilling 4-3 overtime victory against the Florida Panthers in Game 1. The Oilers displayed resilience, with a strong performance in the third period, including a goal from Mattias Ekholm that tied the game, showcasing their depth with 20 different scorers this postseason. Leon Draisaitl's game-winning goal in overtime solidified his pivotal role in the series. Meanwhile, the Panthers fought valiantly but struggled to capitalize on their opportunities, particularly during their dominant second period, where they only managed one goal despite a 65.2% shot share.

The matchup highlights the contrast between the teams; Edmonton's ability to apply pressure late in games has been a hallmark of their playoff run. As Game 2 approaches, questions linger about whether the Panthers can adapt to the Oilers' defensive adjustments and if they can make the most of their scoring chances. Notably, Sam Bennett's two-goal performance further cements his status as a playoff standout, making him a key player to watch as the series progresses.

In a thrilling start to the Stanley Cup Final, the Edmonton Oilers edged out the Florida Panthers with a dramatic 4-3 overtime win. Leon Draisaitl was the star of the night, scoring two goals including the game-winner during a power play with just 31 seconds remaining in the first overtime. After trailing 3-1, the Oilers showed resilience, clawing back with goals from Viktor Arvidsson and Mattias Ekholm.

This matchup marks a rematch of last year's finals, where the Panthers triumphed over the Oilers. Connor McDavid and his team are determined to make history by becoming the first Canadian team to win the Cup since 1993. The Oilers have a solid postseason track record, winning 12 of their last 14 games. With the strong support from their fans, Edmonton is geared up to reclaim glory in this best-of-seven series.