The Florida Panthers are set to play their 309th game in three seasons for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers, tying the NHL record for the most games played over a three-year span. They will break this record in Game 2. Despite the extensive schedule, coach Paul Maurice emphasizes that both teams will find new energy due to the excitement of nearing the end of the season.
The Panthers’ continuous presence in the playoffs over three straight seasons has led to significant game counts, being on the brink of surpassing the previous records held by Dallas and Detroit. Two players, Sam Reinhart and Gustav Forsling, have been particularly notable, each playing 303 games, potentially surpassing Phil Kessel as the player with the most appearances in a three-year period.
The Oilers will also climb the rankings as they prepare for their 300th game in this series. Star player Connor McDavid expresses enthusiasm for the upcoming matches, highlighting the fun he’s had playing hockey recently. Both teams attribute their success to depth, as evidenced by having 19 different goal scorers during the playoffs.
Off the ice, the Panthers maintain rigorous training regimens that include strong conditioning, nutritional guidance, and a culture focused on preparing players for peak performance. They log significant travel miles, preferring to stay in cities after games to maintain better sleep schedules. As Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad points out, the team has adapted to a culture of discipline, reflecting a shift in lifestyle choices that emphasizes performance over past norms in the NHL.
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