Connor McDavid has a heated exchange with Tkachuk setting the tone for Game 3

Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals did not go the way the Edmonton Oilers wanted but Connor McDavid did not let that stop him from setting the tone for a pivotal Game 3.

After being outplayed for much of Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals the Edmonton Oilers were down 3-1 on the verge of being down 2-0 in the series. Trying to get his team going and setting an example was Connor McDavid.

To do so he got into a heated exchange with Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk. The exchange began after a cross-check from Matthew Tkachuk to Connor McDavid. He then pinned Connor McDavid to the boards at which point Connor McDavid fought back.

The Oilers would go on to lose Game 2 even with this boost from Connor McDavid. The captain's actions have now set the expectations for the series going forward. The Oilers will need to be a lot more physical and battle to create space if they want to break through the Florida Panthers' incredible defense and goaltending.

Only 3 active goaltenders (all #StanleyCup winners) have had more games in a postseason in which they allowed 2 goals or fewer than Sergei Bobrovsky.

Heading into Game 3 the Edmonton Oilers need to be able to harness the aggression and fight shown by Connor McDavid. If they can do that top to bottom they have a much better chance of closing the gap in this series as opposed to solely relying on skill.

Previously on Hockey OTB

Six suitors emerge for Nikolaj Ehlers as trade rumors loom

Florida Panthers facing Game 3 disadvantage following delayed trip to Edmonton

Patrick Laine has requested a trade out of Columbus

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13 JUIN \| 128 ANSWERS Connor McDavid has a heated exchange with Tkachuk setting the tone for Game 3 Do you think the Edmonton Oilers playing with more aggression and physicality will lead them to win Game 3?
Yes	44	34.4 %
No	84	65.6 %
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