The final four teams remaining in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the New York Rangers, Florida Panthers, Edmonton Oilers, and Dallas Stars, will battle it out in the Conference Finals for a berth in the championship series.
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## New York Rangers vs. Florida Panthers
The New York Rangers punched their ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals after a thrilling Game 7 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes, thanks largely to a third-period hat trick from Chris Kreider. They now face a formidable opponent in the Florida Panthers, who are seeking redemption after losing in last year's Stanley Cup Final to the Vegas Golden Knights.
The Rangers' biggest strength lies in their goaltending, led by Igor Shesterkin, who has been outstanding throughout the playoffs. He boasts a 2.40 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage, making him one of the most feared goalies in the league.
On the other hand, the Panthers rely heavily on their offensive depth and relentless puck retrieval abilities. Their star-studded lineup, led by Aleksander Barkov, Sam Reinhart, and Jonathan Huberdeau, poses a significant threat to the Rangers' defense.
## Edmonton Oilers vs. Dallas Stars
The Edmonton Oilers, led by superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, are back in the Western Conference Finals for the second consecutive season. They will face off against the Dallas Stars, who upset the Colorado Avalanche in overtime in the second round.
The Oilers' offense is their main weapon, with McDavid and Draisaitl combining for over 40 points in the playoffs. Their power play, in particular, has been a force to be reckoned with.
However, the Stars have shown resilience and depth throughout the postseason. They have scored from multiple lines and received timely contributions from Joe Pavelski, Wyatt Johnston, and Miro Heiskanen. They will need to continue producing balanced scoring to challenge the Oilers' high-powered offense.
## Key Factors to Watch
In the Rangers-Panthers series, the battle in front of the net will be crucial. The Panthers' relentless forecheck could test Shesterkin's ability to handle traffic and make saves in close quarters.
For the Oilers-Stars matchup, the absence of Dallas star Roope Hintz could play a significant factor. His return would provide a boost to their offense, but his absence could give the Oilers an advantage in the series.
Ultimately, these Conference Finals promise to be intense and exciting matchups between four evenly matched teams. The Rangers and Panthers will battle for Eastern Conference supremacy, while the Oilers and Stars will vie for the Western Conference crown and a shot at the Stanley Cup.
