Can Panthers' Boost in Physicality Power Them Past the Oilers?

During last year's Stanley Cup finals, it was ultimately their physicality and relentlessness which got them the game seven victory against Edmonton to accomplish their first ever Stanley Cup win. And with a fiercely anticipated rematch this year, the Panthers boost in physical and aggressive presence on the team may be enough to earn them back to back cups.

After winning the Stanley Cup for the first time in franchise history last season, the physicality, and effort across the entire series was what gave the Panthers the upper hand, and this year, Connor McDavid and the Oilers will have to match their energy, and play a physical and heavily aggressive game to even keep up with the Panthers.

But now with NHL legend Brad Marchand adding onto a list of enforcers like Sam Bennett, their irritating and bothersome style of play could just push the Oilers over the limit. What the Panthers did so well in last year's finals was playing their clingy, and aggressive game, but also keeping disciplined, the perfect formula for success, and with the boost in physical presence across the team this year, they could make it easier for themselves than last year.

Even alongside the likes of Matthew Tkachuk and Aaron Ekblad, some boost in physicality by players like Eetu Luostarinen, and Evan Rodrigues have been throwing their weight around, putting everything on the line for the team. Head coach Paul Maurice has established time and time again that heavy checking, and disciplined hockey is the perfect way to win games, and with the depth and compliment to one another amongst the team, the physical aspect with those new faces like Marchand could present the Oilers some big problems.

Although with enforcers and aggression of their own in players like Corey Perry, Trent Frederic, and Darnell Nurse, their mix of superstar talent, and blue collar players may be enough to hold off the incoming freight train of the Panthers. It will certainly be an interesting and intense matchup, but mid-season moves for big physical talent may be the deciding factor for both teams, but more likely for Paul Maurice and the Florida Panthers.