Paul Morris: “We're going to bring in the CIA.”

Edmonton | They say that in life, things can change quickly. But at this point?

For eight days, we took a break from asking Panthers players how they felt about being just one win away from the Stanley Cup. After that, they were no longer alone in this situation.

On Monday night, the Oilers could become the first team since the 1942 Maple Leafs to win the Stanley Cup after losing their first three games in the Finals.

We probably wouldn't be here if it weren't for Kris Knoblauch's objection to Aleksander Barkov's goal early in the second half. The goal would have come 10 seconds after the Oilers' second goal.

It was 11-2 in shots for them. We needed a spark to move forward. “That would have given us one,” Paul Morris said.

After the officials' decision, we saw Maurice in a very bad mood. Let's just say he's not the type to lose his cool over a peccadillo.

“I was angry because of the pictures I had at my feet [sur les écrans qui se trouvent au banc des joueurs]He explained that there was absolutely nothing conclusive.

He even nearly dropped his eraser.

“I'm not saying there wasn't any offside, but I would never have questioned that goal. I don't know what photos the Oilers and the league had. We're going to call in the CIA and investigate this,” he added, sounding visibly upset. From the situation.

Obviously, we in the Oilers camp were the opposite.

“I was sure the Panthers were offside, but you never know. It was an important decision and he was right,” Draisaitl said.

It is true that we have witnessed some contradictions in the decisions of officials in the past. On the other hand, this is especially so when it comes to tripping the goalkeeper. Stealth reviews are usually pretty straightforward.

“In my opinion, it wasn't even close. I would have objected right away, but we had so little time to do so. My only hesitation was whether the league had the same images that we had,” Chris Knoblauch said.

Skinner predicted this

So the Oilers can bring the Stanley Cup back to Canada for the first time in 31 years.

“It's unbelievable. This is why we play hockey our whole lives. We've all dreamed of an opportunity like this,” said Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, returning to the locker room after a third straight win.

Some time ago, Stuart Skinner pointed out that if any team could accomplish this feat, it would be the Oilers. He was right.

“It's a strong feeling I've had about this group for a long time. It's hard to explain,” said the goalkeeper. “I've always had that belief. When I said it that day, it seemed completely natural to me. And I still believe it today.” »

“It's a very good story,” Leon Draisaitl said. But the goal remains to win. The next victory will be the most difficult to achieve. We are well aware of this. But I'm proud that we were able to give ourselves a chance [de gagner la coupe Stanley]. »

To get there, the Panthers and the oil workers will have to cross the continent again. Fourth transit in 12 days A colleague noted that this is difficult for members of the media who travel economy class.

“I don't feel bad for you,” Draisaitl replied with a chuckle.

Pressure on the Panthers

It wasn't possible, but this series is now over with one win. In this Monday meeting, we can expect the pressure to be on the Panthers' side. Maurice and his forces would certainly not want to go down in history for the wrong reasons.

“Certainly now, if you walk into the locker room, you won't see a lot of happy people. It's normal. We just got beat. It hurts,” the Panthers coach said.

He continued: “You lick your wounds and start rebuilding yourself starting tomorrow.” Who you are tonight has nothing to do with who you will be in two days. »

This is the blessing we wish for the Panthers. But the Oilers are on a path that seems unstoppable.