Series Overview
The Florida Panthers are gearing up for a pivotal Game 5 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final. This game could be a historic one, with the Panthers currently holding a 3-1 series lead against the Edmonton Oilers. Florida dominated the first three games, but Edmonton came roaring back with an 8-1 victory on Saturday, determined to force a Game 6.
The last team to push a Stanley Cup Final series to six games after losing the first three was the 2012 New Jersey Devils. The Oilers are focusing on replicating that resilience. The opening faceoff at Amerant Bank Arena is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, and fans are anticipating an intense battle.
Florida's Home-Ice Advantage
Florida enters Game 5 as a -134 favorite, according to the latest odds. The team has been formidable on their home ice, boasting an 8-3 record this postseason. Additionally, the Panthers have won their last four home games, showcasing their strength at Amerant Bank Arena.
Their defense has been impressive, allowing just four goals in the last four home games. Importantly, the Panthers have limited Edmonton to a mere two goals across the last three contests. This defensive prowess will be critical as they aim to secure the championship at home.
Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky is expected to play a significant role. Although he allowed at least five goals for the third time this postseason on Saturday, Bobrovsky has shown a remarkable ability to bounce back, surrendering only three goals in his rebound games.
Panthers' Key Players
Offensively, the Panthers are led by Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Reinhart, who have been standout performers. Verhaeghe has netted 10 goals this postseason, while Reinhart has scored nine. Both players have found the back of the net once during the Stanley Cup Final.
Evan Rodrigues and Vladimir Tarasenko have also been crucial in the series, combining for five goals. Rodrigues made a notable impact with three goals in the first two games, and Tarasenko has scored in each of the last two contests, bringing his tally to three goals in the last five games. This is a significant improvement, given Tarasenko had only two goals in his first 16 postseason games.
Additionally, Tarasenko and Anton Lundell are riding three-game point streaks. Lundell has been a playmaker, contributing four assists during this run. Their consistent performance will be vital for Florida as they seek to clinch the title.
Edmonton's Offensive Surge
Despite being down in the series, the Oilers have demonstrated their offensive capabilities, scoring at least two goals in each of the last four games. Their performance in Game 4 was particularly impressive, as 15 of Edmonton's 18 skaters recorded points in the 8-1 victory.
Connor McDavid led the charge with a goal and three assists, further solidifying his place as the current NHL points leader with 38. McDavid has been on an incredible run, collecting six points in his last two games and closing in on 40 points for the postseason. He also broke Wayne Gretzky's single-playoff assist record set in 1988, amassing 32 assists thus far.
The Oilers' defense has been a key contributor to their success, with Darnell Nurse scoring in Game 4. Edmonton’s defensemen lead the league with 17 goals this postseason. Their penalty-killing unit is the best in the league at a 93.6% success rate, having successfully defended 12 of 13 penalties in the series. Mattias Janmark has been effective in shorthanded situations, scoring two short-handed goals this postseason.
Conclusion
As the series heads back to Florida, the Panthers are eager to secure the championship on their home ice. Meanwhile, the Oilers are focused on extending the series and keeping their Stanley Cup hopes 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.