Steven Stamkos shows support for Connor McDavid ahead of Game 7

The Stanley Cup is the hardest trophy to win, and one thing is certain, someone will be hoisting it tonight in Sunrise, Florida. It remains to be seen if the Oilers can complete the series comeback after being down 3-0. The Florida Panthers have struggled as of late, but they are looking to lock down their fourth and final win of the series in front of a home crowd.

“It’s not your ordinary game, everybody understands that, but you’ve got to make it as ordinary as possible in your head,” Oilers captain Connor McDavid said after practice on Sunday. “Our room has done a great job of being at our best in these big moments, and I would expect no different.”

After winning the Stanley Cup in 2020 and 2021 and following up with a Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2022, Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos knows the pressure that comes with leading your team through it. While speaking with the Athletic recently , Stamkos shared that McDavid reached out to him last summer while they were training together and wanted to know more about his approach.

“He even approached me to have conversations about my experiences when we won the Cup and what it took and things of that nature,” said Stamkos.

“He is all about winning and the passion and drive to be the best to help his team win a Cup. It’s so impressive how competitive he is in every aspect. He always wants to win — in the gym, or scrimmages, or games."

“If there is a player to will his team back from a 0-3 hole, it’s him!”

McDavid will get a chance tonight to hoist the Stanley Cup in the same building he was drafted in back in 2015. His performance in Game 4 and 5 made him the first player in NHL history with eight points in a two-game stretch during a championship series.