"McOverrated" "Oil country preparing for the loss" - NHL community reacts to Connor McDavid's message for Oilers fans ahead of Game 4

Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers are in a crucial moment in the Stanley Cup Final. Down 3-0 against the Florida Panthers, the Oilers have a chance to keep their hopes alive with a win in Game 4.

Oilers captain Connor McDavid has a clear message for the fans:

"Just keep cheering. It's not over until it's over."

The Oilers need to fend off the Panthers to avoid a sweep and keep their dream alive. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on CBC. Winning tonight would delay the Panthers' first Stanley Cup win and give the Oilers a chance to make a historic comeback.

Fans have mixed feelings about the game and the statement from captain Connor McDavid.

"Oil Country is already preparing for the loss," one said.

Another fan criticized Connor McDavid, saying:

"McOverrated ... Barkov has been serving him up with fries and a small coke all series."

However, there are also optimistic voices. Fans are ready to support their team, no matter the outcome. Here are some more reactions from NHL fans on X:

"Win or lose, love my Oilers. This is another step on the way to greatness. Here’s hoping we can keep the core of this team intact and build in the weaknesses identified this year. GO OILERS GO," one fan wrote.

"Win or lose! Let’s Go Oilers," another fan tweeted.

"We will our champions no matter what," one X user tweeted.

"History won’t repeat itself will it? Three games and no a no win result," a fan tweeted.

Panthers' Aleksander Barkov and Aaron Ekblad lead against Connor McDavid's Oilers in Stanley Cup Final

Aleksander Barkov and Aaron Ekblad, two longest-tenured members of the Florida Panthers, are on the brink of leading their team to its first Stanley Cup championship. Drafted in 2013 and 2014 respectively, they have experienced multiple coaches, general managers and sparse attendance at games. Ahead of Game 4 against the Edmonton Oilers, they reflected on their journey.

Ekblad finds it hard to put his feelings into words.

"I don't know if I have the words to justify it and put it into perspective," Ekblad said (via NHL.com) "It's an amazing opportunity for all we've been through. Have to go grab it."

Barkov preferred to stay focused on the present. He recognized the importance of living in the moment.

"Maybe later," Barkov said. "Right now, with this group, it's a special group because we live in the moment. We enjoy every single moment."

Barkov is the Panthers' all-time leader in points and games played, both in the regular season and the playoffs, and leads the team this postseason with 21 points. Ekblad is second to Barkov in games played and part of a top defense pair this postseason.