[Scrambler]

I see this as a higher power, looking at it from a more optimstic approach.

Sure, losing Bennett and Chucky sucked, the circumstances for both not ideal. BUT! it all makes sense now:

Chucky and Bennet TWO YEARS in a row cause misery for the Oilers, winning the cup back to back. The Oiler window with McDrai continues cupless for one more year, the decline is in the future; a third consecutive return to the SCF not likely, they lose again this time that is ging to hurt them, big time.

With regards to how the Flames are making out in all this:

We get Lombo (not through trade, but there is the florida connection). The guy is the heart and soul of the character of the new Conroy/Huska era Flames

We get Hubby, yes, first season a disaster but it was end of Sutter era, I don't read into it too much. Rough contract in any case, but that is what it is. He is morphing into a Huska/Conroy era Flame in the right way, can only hope that continues in 2025-26.

We get Weegs, the likely future captain and one of the catalysts for getting a new arena here.

So it's not all doom and gloom. Panthers do this right and finish the final in 4 or 5 games and no doom and gloom after all.