Elliotte Friedman highlights Evander Kane’s physical play as the X-factor against Panthers

Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman believes Evander Kane’s physical presence was a major difference-maker in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. Speaking on The Hockey Show with Matt Marchese and Michael DiStefano on Thursday, Friedman said Kane’s return to form could be a big problem for the Florida Panthers.

"He was one of the biggest X factors coming into the series," Friedman said. "Knoblauch said that last year—even though he played a chunk of the (last year finals) series, he wasn't Evander Kane. You can see it.

"He was excited by that last night (in Game 1). He wanted to be a difference maker, physically."

Evander Kane, who missed the entire 2024-25 regular season due to multiple surgeries, played over 22 minutes in Wednesday’s 4-3 overtime win. He didn’t register a point but made his presence felt with nine hits, a +2 rating, and a takeaway. He also won two of three faceoffs.

According to Friedman, Kane’s style of play is something Florida isn’t used to.

"Florida hasn't played too many guys like him (Kane)," Friedman said. "There aren't a lot of guys like that in the league anymore. ... Tampa had some guys like that. They overwhelmed Tampa, but Toronto didn't, and Carolina really didn't—or at least nobody who did it to his level. This is different for Florida.

"They're dealing with a guy and a team that won't be intimidated by them and will dish it out as much as they take it."

Friedman also recalled Kane’s previous playoff rivalry with Matthew Tkachuk during the 2022 Battle of Alberta.

"Remember, Tkachuk did the money gesture to Kane," Friedman said. "That really made him mad. ... Kane made it his mission to take Tkachuk out of the series after that—and he did."

This time, Friedman thinks Kane’s target isn’t one player. He didn’t appear on the scoresheet in Game 1, but Friedman said his Game 1 hits could pay off deeper in the series.

“Game One isn’t about Game One. It’s about Game Six and Game Seven. That’s when those hits show up.” Friedman said.

With the Oilers leading the series 1-0, Kane’s impact, though silent on paper, is loud on the ice.

Evander Kane says Oilers won’t back down against Florida in Stanley Cup Final

Evander Kane said being healthy this year makes the playoffs much more enjoyable and less stressful than last year. He recalled the pain and doubt he felt before and during the 2024 Final.

“It was tough not knowing after Game 6 against Dallas last year whether I was even going to be able to play at all,” Kane said (via yahoo news.com).

Now, he feels strong and is happy to play a physical role.

“It’s been a lot more of an enjoyable ride for me personally,” he said.

Kane praised the Oilers for setting the tone in Game 1 and said they won’t back down against Florida.

"We’re a team that’s proven we’re going to play hard for the entire playoffs. And just because we’re playing Florida that’s not going to change," Kane added.

Evander Kane feels confident in Edmonton, where he has found support from fans and enjoys living. He appreciates how the city and team treat their players with respect and passion.