The Stanley Cup Playoffs began more than two months ago, but the most compelling moment still lies ahead.
The Oilers’ stunning comeback from a 3-0 Stanley Cup Final deficit forced a decisive Game 7, turning what was nearly a rare Stanley Cup sweep into a potentially historic moment in the NHL.
Panthers fans who also dabble in basketball will tell you there is still reason for hope after blowing a 3-0 lead. The Miami Heat saw their 3-0 series lead slip away in last year’s Eastern Conference Finals, only to go up to Boston and win Game 7 and convincing fashion.
Florida is still 2-1 at home in the series, and momentum can turn on a dime. Turning the momentum when Connor McDavid is on the other roster is much easier said than done, though.
Either the Oilers will win their first Stanley Cup in 34 years — and Canada’s first in 31 years — or the Panthers will avoid disaster and become champions for the first time in franchise history.
Here’s what you need to know about Game 7, from the date and start time to the location.
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When is Stanley Cup Final Game 7?
Game 7 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final will take place on Monday night.
The NHL hasn’t been shy about affording both teams plenty of travel time during the series, so there is a three-day gap between Games 6 and 7 just as there was between Games 5 and 6.
If any series needs this kind of travel time allotted, it’s this one. Edmonton and South Florida are about 2,500 miles apart, and each’s teams flights to and from the cities have averaged a minimum of five hours.
Both the Panthers and Oilers are flying into Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, so they’ll have plenty of time to settle in ahead of the biggest game of each player’s life.
What time does Stanley Cup Final Game 7 start?
- Date: Monday, June 24
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- TV channel: ABC
- Live stream: ESPN+, Fubo
Game 7 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final is set to start at 8 p.m. ET on Monday. Puck drop typically doesn’t happen right at 8 p.m. ET but should occur shortly after.
The winner-take-all battle will be broadcast on ABC. Viewers can live stream the game with ESPN+ or Fubo, which offers a free trial.
Where will Stanley Cup Final Game 7 be played?
Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final will be played at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Fla.
The Panthers represent all of South Florida, rather than just Sunrise or even neighboring Fort Lauderdale, and that’s been reflected in the crowds they have drawn throughout the playoffs. The location isn’t difficult to reach, relative to the rest of South Florida, and Panthers fans have shown up early with plenty of energy during Florida’s run to the Stanley Cup Final.
After a demoralizing Game 6 loss in Edmonton, the Panthers will be counting on their fans to help turn the momentum in their favor.
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Last Stanley Cup Final Game 7
Monday’s tilt will be the first Stanley Cup Final Game 7 since 2019, when the Blues went into TD Garden and defeated the Bruins to win their first championship. Before 2019, you would have to go all the way back to the 2011 Stanley Cup Final between the Bruins and Canucks to find another Game 7.
It’s actually been quite a bit since the last Game 7 was played in a championship series in the major American sports leagues.
The World Series hasn’t gone to a Game 7 since 2019, while the NBA Finals haven’t extended to a Game 7 since the Cavaliers completed their iconic comeback against the Warriors in 2016. That makes this Game 7 the first between those three leagues (the NFL playoffs are comprised of individual games) since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fans of 30 NHL teams, or hockey fans in general, can sit back and enjoy a game that will determine a champion. For Panthers and Oilers fans, there won’t be any sitting back in the leadup to what will be an intense night in both South Florida and Alberta.
