A Girl’s Guide to Who to Cheer for in the Stanley Cup Finals

The Stanley Cup Final is here! If you're not already a fan of the Oilers or Panthers, you might be wondering who to root for. Here are some players and coaches with interesting stories that might just make you cheer a little louder.

Aleksander Barkov: The Secret Superstar

Aleksander Barkov, the captain of the Panthers, is like the cool, quiet kid in class who's secretly awesome. He's super talented but often goes unnoticed because the Panthers aren't in a traditional hockey city. A Cup win would shine a big spotlight on Barkov and show everyone just how amazing he is.

Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl: The Dynamic Duo

Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are the ultimate power duo in hockey. They are always at the top of the stats and have been fantastic players for the Oilers. With the team’s improved depth this year, they have their best chance yet to win the Cup. Imagine the coolest pair of best friends who do everything together and are great at it – that’s them on the ice. Seeing them lift the trophy would be a great moment for hockey fans everywhere.

Sergei Bobrovsky: The Reliable Goalie

Sergei Bobrovsky is the Panthers’ star goalie who has been one of the best in the league for years. At 35, he’s still making incredible saves and has yet to win a Cup. He’s like the dependable friend who always has your back. Seeing him finally lift the trophy would be a great moment for a player who has given so much to the game.

Sam Gagner: The Well-Traveled Veteran

Sam Gagner is like a well-traveled adventurer in the world of hockey. Now in his third stint with the Oilers, Sam has played over 1,000 games. He’s most famous for scoring 8 points in one game against the Penguins! His long and varied career has taken him to many teams, and winning the Cup would be a great reward for all his hard work.

Kyle Okposo: The Persistent Fighter

Kyle Okposo has had a tough ride, playing for teams that didn’t win much. But now, with the Panthers, he’s got a real shot at the Cup. Kyle’s journey is all about never giving up, and cheering for him is like rooting for the underdog who finally gets their big break.

Kris Knoblauch: The New Coach on the Block

Kris Knoblauch is the fresh-faced coach of the Oilers who turned things around mid-season. He’s the new teacher who instantly became everyone’s favorite. With previous coaching experience in the AHL and junior hockey, he’s made a strong start in the NHL. Winning the Cup in his first season would be a remarkable achievement for him.

Paul Maurice: The Experienced Coach

Paul Maurice, the coach of the Panthers, has been coaching for a long time and is one of the winningest coaches without a Stanley Cup. He’s been close before but has never won the big prize. A Cup win would be the perfect cherry on top of his legendary career.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins: The Last Man Standing

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has been with the Oilers through their ups and downs. He’s one of the few players left from the team’s previous rebuilding era. Despite the team’s struggles in the past, he remained committed and played a crucial role in their resurgence. Winning the Cup would be a well-deserved reward for his loyalty and perseverance.

Whether you’re drawn to Sam’s long journey, Barkov’s quiet excellence, or the superstar talents of McDavid and Draisaitl, there are plenty of reasons to cheer in this year’s Stanley Cup Final. Pick your favorites and enjoy the exciting hockey!