The Florida Panthers are now firmly in control of the Stanley Cup Final after a dominant 6-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 3. However, the Oilers aren't taking the loss lying down, with forward Evander Kane suggesting some officiating bias.
Kane Claims Panthers Receive Favourable Treatment
Following Monday's game, Kane expressed his belief that the Panthers 'seem to get away with' more penalties than the Oilers. "They seem to get away with it more than we do," Kane stated. "It's tough to find the line. They're doing just as much stuff as we are. There seems to be a little bit more attention on our group."
The statistics from Game 3 certainly seem to back up Kane's claims. The Oilers were whistled for a staggering 21 penalties totaling 85 minutes, while the Panthers only accumulated 14 penalties for 55 minutes. The Panthers capitalised on their power-play opportunities, scoring three of their six goals with the man advantage.
Game 3 Penalty Breakdown
- Oilers: 21 penalties, 85 minutes
- Panthers: 14 penalties, 55 minutes
Kane himself was penalised twice in the first period, receiving penalties for cross-checking and high-sticking. Tensions flared in the third period, with a line brawl resulting in misconduct penalties for several players, including Sam Bennett, Mattias Ekholm, and Darnell Nurse. Kane also received a misconduct penalty for slashing Carter Verhaeghe.
Despite the escalating tensions, Kane doesn't believe the Panthers are deliberately trying to get under the Oilers' skin. "No, I don't think so. I think the game obviously got out of hand at the end there," Kane added. "That stuff is going to happen. You look at some of the calls and whatnot, [and] obviously some of them are frustrating."
Interestingly, the Panthers committed more penalties than the Oilers in each of the first two games of the Stanley Cup Final. With this Game 3 victory, the Panthers now lead the series. Will the Oilers be able to overcome both the Panthers and what they perceive as biased officiating? Only time will tell.