The stuff of hockey dreams

Oilers' improbable comeback has set the stage for a Game 7 hero to emerge

- JOSHUA CLIPPERTON

Connor McDavid, making a pass from behind Sergei Bobrovsky, had four points when the Oilers were in Florida for Game 5 of the Cup final.

Connor McDavid envisioned this moment. Growing up in the suburbs north of Toronto — whether it was on the outdoor rinks, in the arenas or on the street with friends — hockey glory danced in his mind’s eye. Just like countless Canadian kids.

“You always dreamt of yourself playing in that game and scoring that big goal,” McDavid said. “You’re not sure you’re ever going to get that opportunity.”

After a roller-coaster season and a playoffs with plenty more twists and turns, the stage is set for the superstar captain.

McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers face the Florida Panthers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup final Monday, the last hurdle of an improbable journey. The Oilers had a disastrous start to the schedule. They were last in the overall standings. The came a coaching change, a near-record-breaking winning streak, some playoff pushback, and a trio of victories in the final after trailing series 3-0.