Kaplan's Stanley Cup buzz: What are the secrets to success for Oilers and Panthers?

This year 's Stanley Cup Final is as electric as they come, with incredible stories to tell.

The Florida Panthers beat the Vegas Golden Knights in the Cup Final last year .

Coach Paul Maurice built a clear identity of how this team should play -- it is relentless.

Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have shied away from the pressures their team faces.

Connor McDavid's work ethic has led the way for the Edmonton Oilers in the playoffs.

McDavid is playing through something, but perhaps explains why he barely wanted to shoot the puck in early rounds.

The league has no appetite to change the salary cap, with owners reluctant to introduce a luxury tax.

In the NHL , there's a widening gulf between the haves and have nots in terms of what teams are willing to spend to gain a competitive advantage.

The Panthers have a four -person goaltending excellence department; a reminder that there are no guidelines to how many coaches or front office members a team can employ.

The Oilers have perhaps the nicest home locker room in the league, rivaled only by Detroit .