Tonight, the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers will collide in a highly anticipated Stanley Cup rematch. Last season, Edmonton went down 3-0 to Florida in the Stanley Cup Finals, before registering three straight wins to force a Game 7.

After coming up short in Game 7, Edmonton entered the 2024-25 season eager to make another deep playoff run and avenge their 2024 loss.

Now, after defeating the LA Kings, Vegas Golden Knights, and most recently, the Dallas Stars in the conference finals, the Oilers will have a chance to unseat the defending champs, while avenging last year’s Stanley Cup loss.

With puck drop just hours away, let’s take a look at the Edmonton Oilers’ projected lines for tonight’s clash.

Edmonton Oilers projected lines

Note: Lines subject to change, * indicates player is questionable

Forwards

1. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins – Connor McDavid – Corey Perry
2. Evander Kane – Leon Draisaitl – Kasperi Kapanen
3. Trent Frederic – Adam Henrique – Connor Brown*
4. Vasily Podkolzin – Mattias janmark – Viktor Arvidsson

Defense

1. Mattias Ekholm – Evan Bouchard
2. Darnell Nurse – Brett Kulak
3. Jake Walman – John Klingberg

Goalies

1. Stuart Skinner
2. Calvin Pickard

Powerplay

1. Corey Perry, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Leon Draisaitl, Connor McDavid, Evan Bouchard
2. Evander Kane, Adam Henrique, Viktor Arvidsson, John Klingberg, Jake Walman

Penalty Kill

1. Connor McDavid, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Brett Kulak, Evan Bouchard
2. Adam Henrique, Mattias Janmark, Darnell Nurse, Jake Walman

Latest surrounding Connor McDavid and Connor Brown ahead of tonight’s game between the Oilers and the Panthers

Edmonton fans will be relieved to know that both Connor McDavid and Connor Brown are expected to play tonight.

In the case of McDavid, he ended up leaving Sunday’s practice early as he was reportedly dealing with an illness.

Similarly, Associated Press writer Stephen Whyno reported that Brown, who missed the final two games of Edmonton’s series against the Stars with an undisclosed injury, missed Tuesday’s practice with an illness.

While McDavid is expected to play after logging practice on Tuesday, Brown is reportedly considered to be a game-time decision.

Prior to missing Tuesday’s practice with an illness, Brown’s status was optimistic, as coach Kris Knoblauch saud on Sunday:

“I think he will be fine. Obviously, you saw him on the ice and double shifting, and I’m pretty sure and confident that he will be fine for Game 1.”

The big question now is whether or not Brown will be able to battle through illness.

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alt=”Evan Bell” height=”72″ width=”72″>

Evan Bell is a journalist specializing in the NBA and NHL at Sportskeeda, whose love for the game stems from a childhood spent watching the Chicago Bulls. He has been there through their highs and lows, from the Jordan era to the exciting Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah years.

Evan finds the 82-game season and the intensity of playoff basketball exhilarating, and he also revels in the offseason drama. Phil Jackson stands out as his favorite coach, whom he admires for his composed leadership and success in managing dynamic personalities like Dennis Rodman.

To deliver top-quality content, Evan fact-checks information while diligently keeping up with the action year-round.

When he’s not writing, Evan follows tennis and Greek football, and also plays basketball and tennis.

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Edited by Krutik Jain