Series Overview
The Florida Panthers are preparing to face off against the Edmonton Oilers in Game 5 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final.
The Panthers enjoyed a strong start to the series, winning the first three games convincingly. However, Edmonton bounced back emphatically with an 8-1 victory on Saturday, aiming to force a Game 6 and keep their championship hopes alive. The last team to push a series to six games after losing the first three was the 2012 New Jersey Devils. Tonight, the puck drops at 8 p.m. ET at Amerant Bank Arena.
Florida's Home-Ice Edge
The Panthers enter this critical game as a -134 favorite, reflecting their significant home-ice advantage. Throughout this postseason, Florida boasts an 8-3 record at home, including four consecutive wins. Their defensive strength has been particularly notable, conceding just four goals across those four home victories. The Panthers’ defense has also effectively contained Edmonton, allowing only two goals in the last three contests.
Despite a shaky performance on Saturday, where goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky allowed at least five goals for the third time this postseason, he has a record of rebounding strongly. Historically, Bobrovsky has given up a total of merely three goals following such performances, indicating potential for a strong comeback tonight.
Panthers' Key Players
Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Reinhart have been crucial to the Panthers' offensive efforts. Verhaeghe has netted 10 goals during this postseason, while Reinhart has contributed nine. Each player has managed to score a goal in the Stanley Cup Final thus far.
Evan Rodrigues and Vladimir Tarasenko have also been instrumental, combining for five goals in the series. Rodrigues made a significant impact with three goals in the first two games, while Tarasenko scored in each of the last two games, adding up to three goals in his last five appearances. Tarasenko’s performance, in particular, has been remarkable, as he recorded just two goals in his first 16 postseason games but has since found a new gear.
Anton Lundell, on a three-game point streak alongside Tarasenko, has played a pivotal role in generating scoring opportunities, amassing four assists during this run.
Edmonton's Offensive Surge
Conversely, Edmonton has amped up their offensive pressure. They have scored at least two goals in each of the last four games and witnessed an incredible team effort in Game 4 where 15 of Edmonton’s 18 skaters recorded points. Leading the charge was Connor McDavid, who contributed a goal and three assists. McDavid currently sits atop the NHL leaderboard with an astounding 38 points, and he’s been particularly explosive in recent games, amassing six points in the last two matches.
McDavid is on the brink of surpassing 40 points in a single postseason and has already broken Wayne Gretzky’s single-playoff assist record, which was set in 1988. Furthermore, he has accumulated 32 assists this postseason, underscoring his playmaking genius.
Adding to Edmonton's multi-faceted attack, defenseman Darnell Nurse found the back of the net in Game 4. Edmonton’s blueliners have collectively scored 17 goals this postseason, leading the league in that category.
The Oilers' special teams have been nothing short of extraordinary, boasting the best penalty kill rate in the league at 93.6%. They’ve effectively neutralized 12 of 13 penalties in this series. Mattias Janmark has also contributed significantly to their short-handed efforts, with two short-handed goals this postseason.
Conclusion
As the series returns to Florida, the Panthers aim to secure the championship on their home ice. Meanwhile, the Oilers are focused on extending the series and forcing a Game 6. With both teams highly motivated, Game 5 promises to be an exhilarating and hard-fought 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, concluding what has been an enthralling postseason run.