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.

⚽ UEFA Euro 2024: No. 7 Netherlands vs. No. 2 France — Today at 3 p.m. ET — FS1

• 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.

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

• 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.

🎓⚾ Men’s College World Series: No. 3 Texas A&M vs. No. 1 Tennessee — Tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. ET — ESPN

• It’ll be an all SEC best-of-three champ series battle, with both squads swinging for their first-ever titles. Tennessee went undefeated in Omaha to reach their first MCWS finals since 1951, while the Aggies reached the big stage for the first time ever. History in the making.

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

• 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.

Sometimes all you need is a vision, and a little bit of help. Just ask the iconic Billie Jean King, who founded the Women’s Sports Foundation in 1974 in hopes of providing more access and opportunity for women and girls in sport. Talk about a good investment.

• Speaking of, Gainbridge, an innovative digital financial services platform, wants to give your women’s sports or education project a financial assist.

Just like us, Gainbridge is committed to leveling the playing field. That’s why they doubled down on their partnership with athlete sponsorship platform Parity to provide $150K to women’s sports advocates like you. Walk that walk and apply for your $5K grant today.