As Stanley Cup Final Braces for an Exciting Turn, Charles Barkley and Wayne Gretzky Lit Up NBA-Inspired NHL Show

One of the most anticipated NHL championship games is finally here. The rugged Florida Panthers and the Vegas Golden Knights are frozen to the ice of the arena. The Golden Knights, who have dominated the NHL all season, are continuing their streak into the finals by holding a commanding 2-1 series lead. However, the Panthers haven’t given up hope just yet, since their recent victory has rendered a complete sweep by the Golden Knights, difficult. It’s now all or nothing for the Panthers.

While the Stanley Cup playoffs have been going on, ice hockey superstar Wayne Gretzky has been keeping fans interested in an NBA-style TV program. In 2021, Wayne Gretzky started featuring in his own studio show called NHL on TNT. Since then, there has been a lot of discussion in the NHL and NBA communities because the show was directly inspired by the NBA on TNT program. During all the final feats, the Great One, however, is shown with the cast of his TV program, which this time included the ‘The Round Mound of Rebound’, Charles Barkley,

The Great One and his great ways

Even though the playoffs are providing a lot of NHL action, NHL on TNT’s coverage has kept viewers even more engrossed. On the evening of Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals between the Florida Panthers and the Vegas Golden Knights, Wayne Gretzky posted a photo to his social media. Based on the Instagram story, it seems like the Great One has assigned window seats to his team. Instead of uploading a selfie with the crew, he opted to share a genuine snapshot of his team.

ALSO READ – Wayne Gretzky ‘At Home With 99’ Ahead of Stanley Cup Playoffs

On this occasion, the snapshot included none other than NBA legend and current TV commentator for TNT and CBS Sports, Charles Barkley. Despite the community uproar caused by the NHL on TNT, Gretzky still intended to provide a brutal rebuttal. The show’s ratings would understandably soar if Barkley and Gretzky discussed ice hockey together. A brilliant plan by the White Tornado, no doubt.

Turner Sports struck a seven-year deal with the NHL in 2021, guaranteeing them the right to air NHL games on TNT and TBS until the 2027–2028 season. Broadcasting rights for the regular season, playoffs, and finals of the Stanley Cup were among them. Fans of all ages, from longtime hockey followers to the next generation, tune in when luminaries like Gretzky make appearances. This year’s final is also, without a doubt, one of the most intense NHL games ever seen.

Complete feast for NHL fans

On June 4, 2023, the NHL finals began for the 2022–23 season. The Florida Panthers, the Eastern Conference’s No. 8 team, proved they shouldn’t be underestimated by continuing to beat more established teams like the Boston Bruins, who were on one of the league’s longest winning streaks at the time. Fans expected the Panthers and the Vegas Golden Knights to face off in a thrilling championship series, and they were not disappointed.

The Golden Knights’ incredible play in the first two games of the finals was exactly what any fan could have hoped for. The Golden Knights dominated the Panthers in both games, winning the first by a score of 5-2 and the second by a score of 7-2. Despite this setback, the Panthers emerged from their caves and proved to be formidable opponents on the ice. At the end of the third period of Game 3, Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk scored an equalizer when it seemed like the Golden Knights would win and claim the Stanley Cup. Panthers center Carter Verhaeghe scored the game-winning goal in overtime to give his side its first series victory. Game 4 would continue with the Panthers hoping to tie the series, making things much more difficult for the Golden Knights.

WATCH THIS STORY –  From Joe DiMaggio to Wayne Gretzky- Most Outstanding Statistical Accomplishments in Us Sporting History