The rivalry between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers is real. After facing each other in last year’s final, it’s time to go at it again. The intensity was on full display during the pregame introductions—but Panthers forward Evan Rodrigues had the perfect response.
The Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers are once again squaring off in the Stanley Cup Final. Last year, the Panthers won the Cup in seven games, and now the Oilers are back, seeking revenge for that heartbreak. They got off to a strong start by winning the first game, thanks to an overtime goal from Leon Draisaitl. He didn’t score a single goal during last year’s matchup but has already found the net twice in this series.
Great rivalry
Rivalries are usually born between geographically close teams, but with last year’s series still fresh in memory, the rivalry between the Oilers and Panthers has become very real. During the pregame introductions, Oilers fans took their chance to loudly boo the Panthers players as they were announced. But there are many ways to respond to pressure—just ask Evan Rodrigues.
Evan Rodrigues perfect chirp
The Panthers forward wasn’t exactly a fan favorite in Edmonton last year, and this year is no different. When Rodrigues was introduced, the boos from Oilers fans were deafening. His response? He simply smiled—a big, confident smile—which has Panthers fans laughing. It was the perfect chirp back at the Oilers and their crowd.
“He’s ready,” one person wrote on X.
“That’s the attitude,” another commented.
Game Two is on Friday. You can watch the video below.
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