Got that summertime, summertime sadness

The GIST: TBH, not much has changed since our last newsletter. The Florida Panthers (up 3-2) are still one win away from hoisting the Stanley Cup for the first time, but the Edmonton Oilers have momentum on their side after staving off elimination with two massive consecutive wins.

• Before tonight’s 8 p.m. ET Game 6 puck drop in Alberta, let’s take a look at both squads’ difference makers: Florida left winger Matthew Tkachuk (pronounced kuh-CHUCK) and Edmonton captain Connor McDavid.

Tkachuk’s trademark tenacity inspires his squad: ICYMI, Tkachuk’s ridiculous Game 5 goal-saving dive was epic, even if it didn’t change the outcome. Why? Because it was so Tkachuk — he’s tougher-than-nails and (sometimes literally) lays it all on the ice, like when he played through a broken sternum during last season’s Stanley Cup Final.

• Unsurprisingly, Tkachuk leads Florida in points this postseason (six goals, 16 assists), and while the Panthers rallied too late to pull off the win in Game 5, Tkachuk’s last-ditch play may be the key to their success if locker room comments are any indication.

McDavid is etching his name among the greats: If the Oilers do become just the second team to win a Stanley Cup after going down 3-0, it’ll be because of McDavid.

• The generational center already set the record for most assists in an NHL postseason and is only two points away from tying GOAT Wayne Gretzky’s Stanley Cup Final points total, a record that’s stood since 1988.

• But beyond his own achievements, it’s McDavid’s belief in his own resilient teammates that could help the Oils force a Game 7. Built different.

Consider your summer plans made. Canadian Tire and The GIST are partnering to award five passionate Canadians and their plus-ones with a VIP trip to this summer’s Paris 2024 Olympic Games in the ultimate “We All Play For Canada” contest.

The once-in-a-lifetime trip includes:

• ✈️ Two round-trip business class flights

• 🏨 Accommodations at La Demeure Montaigne

• 🎟️ Tickets to the Opening Ceremony & various sporting events

• 🍝 A dinner at the Eiffel Tower

• 👋 Hosted by The GIST co-founder and The GIST of It podcast co-host, Ellen Hyslop!

Canadian Tire is a long-time supporter of Team Canada, and by committing 50% of their sponsorship dollars to women’s pro sports, they’re committed to leveling the playing field too, making them the perfect partner ahead of the first Olympic Games with equal gender representation.

Enter to win this VIP experience by telling us why Canada supporting women’s sports matters. Then, be a part of history — because we all play for Canada.

⚽ UEFA Euro 2024: No. 7 Netherlands vs. No. 2 France — Today at 3 p.m. ET — TSN

• Both stacked sides opened Group D play with wins, meaning a crucial three points are up for grabs as they aim to gain an edge in the standings. One thing’s for sure: French superstar Kylian Mbappé and his mask are ready to go.

⚾ MLB: Toronto Blue Jays. vs. Cleveland Guardians — Tonight at 7:10 p.m. ET — Sportsnet

• The weekend calls for a fresh start, especially for the Blue Jays No. 2 prospect, infielder Orelvis Martinez, who’s expected to make his big league debut against the Guardians. Welcome to the show.

🏀 WNBA: Connecticut Sun vs. Las Vegas Aces — Tonight at 10 p.m. ET — WNBA League Pass

• The Friday night lights will be brighter than ever with the league-leading Sun taking on Sin City’s finest, the two-time defending champs. Could this be a preview of the WNBA Finals? Only time will tell.

🏎️ F1: Spanish Grand Prix — Sunday at 9 a.m. ET — TSN

• Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz may not have a home yet for next year, but the Spaniard will be on a quest for the top of the podium in his home country race.

• And we’re in for a double treat this weekend — the female drivers of the F1 Academy will compete in their third round of the season, as friend of the GIST Abbi Pulling looks to continue her dominance. Buckle up.

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