Series Overview
The Florida Panthers are gearing up for Game 5 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, and the stakes couldn't be higher. The Panthers initially set the tone by winning the first three games of the series.
However, the Edmonton Oilers roared back with a commanding 8-1 victory on Saturday, signaling their intent to push this series to a Game 6. It's worth noting that the 2012 New Jersey Devils were the last team to extend a series to six games after being down 3-0 in the final round. With the opening faceoff scheduled for 8 p.m. ET at Amerant Bank Arena, all eyes will be on this pivotal matchup.
Florida's Home-Ice Edge
The Panthers enter Game 5 as a -134 favorite according to the latest betting odds, largely due to their impressive home record this postseason. Florida boasts an 8-3 record at home, and they have won their last four games on home ice.
Defense has been a cornerstone of the Panthers' success at home, allowing just four goals over their last four games. Additionally, they have managed to stifle Edmonton’s offense, limiting the Oilers to only two goals in the past three contests.
Despite Sergei Bobrovsky conceding at least five goals for the third time this postseason on Saturday, he's known for his rebound performances, having allowed a total of just three goals in such games.
Panthers' Key Players
Offensively, the Panthers have been buoyed by the performances of Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Reinhart, who have notched 10 and 9 goals respectively this postseason. Both Verhaeghe and Reinhart have contributed a goal each in the Stanley Cup Final.
Another key player is Vladimir Tarasenko, who, along with Evan Rodrigues, has combined for five goals in the series. Rodrigues struck thrice in the first two games, while Tarasenko has found the net in each of the last two contests. Notably, Tarasenko has totaled three goals in his last five games after scoring just two in his first 16 postseason appearances. He, along with Anton Lundell, is riding a three-game point streak. Lundell has amassed four assists during this stretch.
Edmonton's Offensive Surge
On the other side, Edmonton has shown its offensive prowess, scoring at least two goals in each of the last four games. In Game 4, 15 of Edmonton's 18 skaters recorded points, underlining the team's depth and versatility.
Leading the charge is Connor McDavid, who registered a goal and three assists in Game 4. McDavid now leads the NHL with 38 points and has collected six points in his last two games. Rivetingly, McDavid is on the verge of reaching 40 points in a single postseason, a remarkable feat. He recently broke Wayne Gretzky's single-playoff assist record set in 1988, accumulating 32 assists so far.
Defenseman Darnell Nurse also added to the scoreboard in Game 4. Edmonton’s defense has been stellar, leading the league with 17 goals this postseason. Additionally, Edmonton boasts the NHL’s best penalty kill rate at 93.6%, having successfully defended 12 of 13 penalties in the series. Mattias Janmark's contributions shouldn’t be overlooked either, as he has scored two short-handed goals this postseason.
Conclusion
As the series shifts back to Florida, the Panthers are keen to clinch the championship on home ice, while the Oilers are determined to extend the series. With both teams poised to give their all, Game 5 promises to be an exhilarating contest.
Fans from both sides will be eagerly watching to see if history will be made or if the Panthers will lift the Stanley Cup. This clash is more than just a game; it’s a battle for glory and legacy in the annals of hockey history.