Florida's Home Dominance
The Florida Panthers stand on the brink of making franchise history as they prepare to face the Edmonton Oilers in Game 5 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final on Tuesday. Leading the series 3-1, the Panthers are poised to capture their first-ever championship despite a crushing 8-1 defeat to the Oilers in Game 4 on Saturday.
Even though they failed to secure a series sweep, the Panthers remain favored to win, largely due to their stellar performance on home ice. Florida has been unbeatable at home, winning four consecutive playoff games and outscoring their opponents 12-4 in that span. Their defensive capabilities have been particularly noteworthy, as they have allowed fewer than three goals in nine out of eleven home playoff matches, making Florida a -135 favorite for Tuesday's game at Amerant Bank Arena, which features an opening faceoff scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.
With money lines set at Florida -136 and Edmonton +116, and an over/under of 5.5 goals, all eyes are on these odds. The Panthers are also listed at -1.5 (+187) on the puck line, indicating high expectations for a clinching performance.
Why You Should Back the Panthers
Throughout this postseason, Florida has lost consecutive games only once, showcasing their resilience and ability to bounce back after setbacks. The leadership of team captain Aleksander Barkov has been a cornerstone of their success. Barkov has amassed 21 points in the playoffs, delivering four two-point performances in the last eight games, including two assists in the series opener and a goal with an assist in Game 3.
Another crucial contributor has been Vladimir Tarasenko, who has found the back of the net in back-to-back games and has three goals in the last five, after scoring only twice in the first 16 postseason games. Tarasenko's wealth of Stanley Cup experience, underscored by his 73 points in 118 playoff games, adds invaluable depth to the Panthers’ offensive firepower.
Alongside Tarasenko, Anton Lundell has been on a hot streak, recording a three-game point streak with four assists, further bolstering Florida's attacking options.
Why You Should Back the Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers, meanwhile, have demonstrated their ability to generate significant offensive output, scoring at least two goals in the last four periods. Game 4 was a testament to their explosive potential, with 15 of Edmonton's 18 skaters registering points. Connor McDavid spearheaded the effort with a goal and three assists, pushing his total to six points in the last two games and leading the NHL with 38 points in the playoffs. McDavid is on the verge of joining the elite ranks of Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux by reaching at least 40 points in a single postseason.
McDavid's three assists in Game 4 also broke Gretzky's 1988 record for most assists in a single playoff campaign, highlighting his role as a pivotal playmaker. Defenseman Darnell Nurse added to Edmonton’s scoring in Game 4, helping the Oilers lead the league with 17 goals by defensemen this postseason.
Edmonton's special teams have also been superb, particularly their penalty kill, which has a remarkable 93.6% success rate and a 12-for-13 record in the series. Mattias Janmark has fortified their defensive capabilities, setting a new benchmark for the most shorthanded goals in one postseason for the Oilers since 1997.
Edmonton's Elimination Game Resilience
Perhaps most impressively, the Oilers have shown tremendous resilience in elimination games, maintaining a perfect 3-0 record in such situations this postseason. This unyielding spirit will be crucial if they aim to extend the series and bring the battle back to Edmonton for a Game 6.
Conclusion
The Florida Panthers possess a significant advantage heading into Game 5, with the chance to secure their first Stanley Cup in franchise history. Their impeccable home performance has been bolstered by key players stepping up at critical moments. However, the Edmonton Oilers, with their explosive offense and resilience in elimination scenarios, remain a formidable adversary. With Connor McDavid setting new records and aiming for historic milestones, the Oilers have the talent and grit to prolong this thrilling series.