Series Overview
The Florida Panthers are gearing up for Game 5 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, filled with anticipation and determination.
The Panthers won the first three games of the series, putting them in a commanding position. However, the Edmonton Oilers delivered a powerful response with an 8-1 victory on Saturday, aiming to force a Game 6 and keep their championship hopes alive. Notably, the 2012 New Jersey Devils were the last team to push a series to six games after losing the first three.
The critical showdown will take place at Amerant Bank Arena, with the opening faceoff scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.
Florida's Home-Ice Edge
Heading into Game 5, Florida holds a -134 favorite status according to the latest odds. The Panthers have proven themselves formidable on home ice, boasting an impressive 8-3 record this postseason. They have won four consecutive home games and have conceded just four goals in their last four home appearances.
Florida's defense has been a significant factor in their success, effectively limiting Edmonton to just two goals in the last three contests. Despite Sergei Bobrovsky allowing at least five goals for the third time this postseason in Saturday's match, he has shown resilience by allowing a total of just three goals in his rebound performances following such games.
Panthers' Key Players
Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Reinhart have been standout performers for the Panthers, with Verhaeghe scoring 10 goals and Reinhart nine this postseason. Both players have found the net once in the Stanley Cup Final so far.
Additionally, Evan Rodrigues and Vladimir Tarasenko have been instrumental in the series, combining for five goals. Rodrigues netted three goals in the first two games, while Tarasenko scored in each of the last two contests and has three goals in his last five games. Notably, Tarasenko had recorded just two goals in his first 16 postseason games, underscoring his recent upsurge in performance.
Both Tarasenko and Anton Lundell are riding three-game point streaks, with Lundell contributing four assists during this run.
Edmonton's Offensive Surge
The Edmonton Oilers have shown considerable offensive prowess, scoring at least two goals in each of the last four games. Their Game 4 victory saw 15 of Edmonton's 18 skaters recording points, with Connor McDavid leading the way by contributing 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. He is also closing in on an impressive milestone, nearing 40 points in a single postseason. In a historical achievement, McDavid broke Wayne Gretzky's single-playoff assist record set in 1988, with McDavid currently standing at 32 assists.
Darnell Nurse also made a notable contribution with a goal in Game 4. Edmonton’s defensemen have been a leading force, amassing a league-high 17 goals this postseason. Furthermore, the Oilers boast the best penalty kill rate in the league at 93.6%, having successfully defended 12 of 13 penalties in the series. Mattias Janmark has been a key player in this regard, with two short-handed goals this postseason.
Conclusion
As the series heads back to Florida, the Panthers are focused on securing the Stanley Cup on their home ice, while the Oilers are determined to extend the series and keep their championship dreams alive. Game 5 promises to be an exhilarating contest, with fans from both sides eagerly watching to see if history will be made or if the Panthers will lift the Stanley Cup.