The Stanley Cup Finals took a sudden turn of events when the Oilers won in game 5 thanks to a lazy pass and then dominated at home in game 6. The Hurricanes were one OT goal away from a Stanley Cup—and they were on a power play now less. Now, they find themselves at home with the series tied 3-3 and facing a win or go home game seven. How did this all happen? The Oilers were distraught and ready to go down for the count.

Only one team in NHL Finals history has given up a 3-1 lead. That was sixty-four years ago. Detroit did it by winning the first three games and then collapsing. They lost the next four to Toronto. Could the Hurricanes be team number two? Could they actually make history, in a bad way, to a #8 seed who lost their goalie and their main advantage? One thing is for certain, Carolina and their fans are reeling.

The momentum appears to be on the Oilers side. The Hurricanes are wondering what they must do to win. The pressure is really off for the Oilers. After game one, everyone wrote them off—including me. They were a #8 seed and not expected to do much when the playoffs began. They were down 3-1 in this series at one point at Carolina and the Stanley Cup was in the building. Now, they sit at 3-3 with not a single ounce of pressure on them.

There’s no doubt that each and every Carolina player is feeling the pressure. Each one should know by now that only one team in NHL Finals history blew a big lead. They don’t want to be the second. They really need to get back to Hurricanes style hockey. One piece of motivation for the Hurricanes is Erik Cole. His surprising comeback to the ice is going to spur on the Hurricanes. It just might be the jolt they need to life them over the hump.

Game seven is tonight at Carolina at 8:00 PM EST. Weight for Carolina is not expected to play. Most sports books have the Hurricanes as a -165 favorite. Originally, they were going to open around -200. The under/over tonight is 5.5 and the under is -130. It’s win or go home tonight. While I would like to cheer on the Oilers and their great performance this playoff season, I think the Hurricanes will get the job done. I am looking for the Hurricanes to be energized at home. I also think the power play fest of game 5 was an isolated incident.

We should see some solid hockey tonight and players will be thinking about their actions. It would be a shame if the game were to be decided solely—or close to it—by power plays like game 5 was in Carolina. The Oilers can be proud should they lose. They gave it a great ride and helped make this year’s Playoffs exciting and magical. If future seasons play out in similar fashion, Hockey just might find its way back in America.