The outcome of Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final on Wednesday night will be a big indicator as to who will win the series between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers.

Last year, it was the Panthers who won not only the opening game of the series but also the first three to take a stranglehold 3-0 lead. The Oilers were able to battle their way back to force a Game 7, but came up short, allowing Matthew Tkachuk and company to hoist the Cup at the Amerant Bank Arena.

While it’s far from ideal to lose any game, the best-of-seven series gives teams a bit of leeway in the early portion, or at least that’s what many think. Stats from past Stanley Cup Finals, however, indicate just how important the first game is.

Here’s a look at how the past 10 years have played out based on Game 1 victori

See Full Page