Series Overview
As the Florida Panthers gear up for Game 5 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, the tension and excitement are palpable. The Panthers established a commanding lead by clinching victories in the first three games of the series, setting the stage for what appeared to be an insurmountable challenge for the Edmonton Oilers. However, the Oilers bounced back in spectacular fashion, securing an 8-1 win on Saturday to keep their hopes alive. Now, Edmonton aims to force a Game 6 and extend the series even further. The last team to push a Stanley Cup Final series to six games after losing the first three was the 2012 New Jersey Devils. As the action returns to Florida, all eyes are on Amerant Bank Arena, where the opening faceoff is set for 8 p.m. ET.
Florida's Home-Ice Edge
The Florida Panthers come into Game 5 with a pronounced home-ice advantage. According to the latest odds, Florida is a -134 favorite. The Panthers have demonstrated their dominance on home ice this postseason, boasting an impressive 8-3 record. Their current streak includes four consecutive home victories, during which they've conceded a mere four goals. The Panthers' defense has been especially stifling, limiting Edmonton to just two goals in the last three contests.
Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, despite allowing at least five goals for the third time this postseason on Saturday, has shown resilience in his rebound performances. Following such outings, Bobrovsky has allowed a total of just three goals, underscoring his ability to bounce back when it matters most.
Panthers' Key Players
Carter Verhaeghe continues to be a key contributor for the Panthers, scoring 10 goals so far this postseason. Sam Reinhart is right behind him with nine goals. In the Stanley Cup Final, both Verhaeghe and Reinhart have managed to find the back of the net once each. Additionally, Evan Rodrigues and Vladimir Tarasenko have combined for five goals in the series. Rodrigues had a hot start, netting three goals in the first two games, while Tarasenko scored in each of the last two contests, bringing his total to three goals in his last five games.
Tarasenko’s offensive surge is particularly noteworthy given his earlier struggles, with only two goals in his first 16 postseason games. Both he and Anton Lundell are currently riding three-game point streaks, with Lundell amassing four assists during his run.
Edmonton's Offensive Surge
The Edmonton Oilers have shown they can generate significant offense, scoring at least two goals in each of the last four games. Their performance in Game 4 was particularly remarkable, with 15 of their 18 skaters recording points. Connor McDavid led the charge, delivering a goal and three assists. McDavid now leads the NHL with 38 points this postseason and has collected six points in his last two games.
McDavid is on the verge of reaching 40 points in a single postseason and has already broken Wayne Gretzky's single-playoff assist record set in 1988, amassing 32 assists. Darnell Nurse also found the net in Game 4, contributing to Edmonton’s total of 17 goals from defensemen this postseason—a league-leading figure. Furthermore, the Oilers boast the NHL’s best penalty-kill rate at 93.6%, successfully defending 12 of 13 penalties in the series. Mattias Janmark has been a standout on the penalty kill, scoring two short-handed goals this postseason.
Conclusion
As the series shifts back to Florida, the stakes couldn't be higher. The Panthers are eager to secure the championship on home ice and cap off an incredible postseason run. Meanwhile, the Oilers are focused on extending the series and keeping their championship dreams alive. Game 5 promises to be an exhilarating contest as fans from both sides eagerly watch to see if history will be made or if the Panthers will lift the Stanley Cup. The outcome of this pivotal game could well shape the legacy of both franchises for years to come.