As anticipation builds for the Stanley Cup Final on Saturday, the Edmonton Oilers are set to face the Florida Panthers in what promises to be an electrifying series. On Friday, Oilers’ head coach Kris Knoblauch and general manager Ken Holland addressed the media, sharing insights and strategies ahead of Game 1, which will take place in Sunshine, Florida.
Coach Kris Knoblauch spoke candidly about the Panthers’ reputation for aggressive, hard-hitting play. “Obviously, there’s been a lot of talk about Florida being an aggressive, hard-hitting, tight-checking team. We’re prepared for that,” he said. Knoblauch drew parallels to previous opponents the Oilers have faced in the playoffs. “Vancouver, L.A. — you know, they were just as aggressive.”
Knoblauch emphasized the importance of staying true to their own game plan despite the Panthers’ physical style. “If we’re making too many changes, we aren’t the same team that got us here. As a coach, you have to be careful how many changes you make to a team because the more changes you make, the more things are going on in their heads.”
Discussing the lineup, Knoblauch mentioned the potential inclusion of a key player who has shown offensive prowess this season. “Whether he comes in Game 1 or Game whatever, he will see time in the lineup. He provides us with a little bit of offense, obviously scoring 20 goals this season, 40 plus points, and adds some more speed to our team.”
The adaptability of defenseman Philip Broberg was also highlighted. “Through his career, he spent a lot of time on his offside. We feel that the way he’s been playing and his skills make him very adaptable to move onto his offside on the right side,” Knoblauch said.
General manager Ken Holland reflected on the pivotal decision earlier in the season to put Jack Campbell on waivers and promote Stuart Skinner as the starting goaltender. “We just lost in Vancouver. I felt that needed to do something to jolt the team. We believed in [Skinner]. He had won 29 games last year, was a finalist for the Calder Trophy, and was 24 years of age. It was his time,” Holland explained.
Holland praised Skinner’s resilience and performance, noting the significant turnaround in the team’s season following the change. “Certainly, Chris [Knoblauch] was a big reason why we got the season turned around and also Stu Skinner’s play.”
Holland shared insights from his extensive career, emphasizing that success does not come from quick fixes but from a determined, team-driven approach. “I’ve been at this a long time. You just don’t come in and wave magic wands,” he said. Holland acknowledged the contributions of previous management in drafting key players and highlighted the importance of allowing young talent time to develop into NHL-ready athletes.
Holland reflected on his initial expectations upon joining the Oilers and the pressure of working with star players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. “I knew we had a core. I knew we had Connor, we knew we had Leon… I learned very quickly that they had a lot of determination, a lot of pride, a lot of push. They were team players. They were motivated.”
Both Knoblauch and Holland spoke about the team’s ability to thrive under pressure, especially in playoff settings. Holland praised defenseman Brett Kulak for his elevated performance during the playoffs. “Brett thrives on [the pressure]. He likes that. He’s elevated his game,” Knoblauch added.
The Oilers aim to bring the Stanley Cup back to Edmonton for the first time since 1990, while the Panthers are seeking their first-ever championship. As both teams prepare for a clash of styles and strategies, Knoblauch’s and Holland’s comments reflect a team that is focused, prepared, and resilient. The stage is set for a thrilling series, with both teams bringing their best to the ice in pursuit of hockey’s ultimate prize, but our heart says Go Oilers!