NHL final

Edmonton Oilers prevent sweep with resounding victory

The Edmonton Oilers conceded eight goals to the Panthers.(Bild: APA/Getty Images via AFP)

The Edmonton Oilers have made an impressive comeback in the play-off final of the North American Ice Hockey League (NHL).

The team led by top star Connor McDavid won 8:1 against the Florida Panthers in front of a home crowd on Saturday, reducing the deficit in the best-of-seven series to 1:3. The Panthers now want to win the Stanley Cup in front of their own fans on Wednesday night.

(Bild: APA/Getty Images via AFP)

In the fourth game of the final, the Edmonton Oilers finally got their first win - with a seven-goal difference. McDavid shone with a goal and three assists. The latter make him the record holder for assists in a single play-off season: the 27-year-old Canadian now stands at 32, while legend Wayne Gretzky scored 31 assists in the 1987/88 season.

"We did our job on offense today, but it's just a win for us," said German Oilers center Leon Draisaitl. "It feels good that we survived another day," McDavid added.

Oilers still have a long way to go
Even though the Oilers averted their first sweep (4-0 wins) in a Stanley Cup Final since 1998, they still have a long way to go. Only the Toronto Maple Leafs were able to turn the tide and win the title in 1942 after trailing 3-0 in the series.

(Bild: APA/Getty Images via AFP)

The Oilers must take the second step towards this historic turnaround on Wednesday night. Only a win in Florida will keep their dream of a first title since 1990 alive. The Panthers, on the other hand, could make history with a victory. It would be the first Stanley Cup for the franchise from the Sunshine State.