Series Overview
The Florida Panthers are gearing up for Game 5 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final. Holding a 3-1 series lead, the Panthers have been dominant from the start, securing victories in the first three games. However, the Edmonton Oilers showed resilience, delivering a commanding 8-1 win on Saturday to keep their championship hopes alive. The Oilers now aim to force a Game 6, mirroring the efforts of the 2012 New Jersey Devils, the last team to extend a series to six games after falling behind 3-0.
The opening faceoff at Amerant Bank Arena is set for 8 p.m. ET, and fans are anxiously awaiting what promises to be an exhilarating match.
Florida's Home-Ice Edge
Heading into this crucial game, Florida holds a home-ice advantage, reflected in their status as a -134 favorite according to the latest odds. The Panthers boast an impressive 8-3 home record this postseason and have clinched four consecutive home victories. Their defense has been particularly stout, allowing just four goals in the last four home games.
Throughout the series, the Panthers' defense has effectively stifled Edmonton, conceding a mere two goals in the last three matchups. Despite a tough outing on Saturday, where Sergei Bobrovsky allowed at least five goals for the third time this postseason, he has shown the ability to rebound strongly. In his previous rebound performances, Bobrovsky has allowed a total of just three goals.
Panthers' Key Players
The Panthers' offensive efforts are spearheaded by Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Reinhart, who have tallied ten and nine goals, respectively, this postseason. Both players have notched one goal each in the Stanley Cup Final. In addition, Evan Rodrigues and Vladimir Tarasenko have been significant contributors, combining for five goals in the series.
Rodrigues was particularly prolific in the opening two games, scoring three goals, while Tarasenko found the net in each of the last two contests. Tarasenko has been on a hot streak, recording three goals in his last five games after managing just two in his first 16 postseason appearances. He and Anton Lundell are both riding three-game point streaks, with Lundell amassing four assists during this span.
Edmonton's Offensive Surge
Despite trailing in the series, the Edmonton Oilers have showcased their offensive capabilities. The team has scored at least two goals in each of the last four games. In their lopsided Game 4 victory, an impressive fifteen of Edmonton’s eighteen skaters recorded points. Connor McDavid led the charge, contributing a goal and three assists, bringing his tally to an NHL-leading 38 points for the postseason. McDavid has been on fire, collecting six points over the last two games, and is on the verge of breaking the 40-point mark in a single postseason.
McDavid has also set a new record for single-playoff assists, surpassing the previous mark set by Wayne Gretzky in 1988, with 32 assists this postseason. Edmonton's defense has also made significant contributions, with Darnell Nurse scoring in Game 4. The Oilers' defensemen lead the league with 17 goals this postseason. The team’s penalty kill has been exceptional, leading the league with a 93.6% success rate, having successfully defended 12 of 13 penalties in the series. Mattias Janmark has chipped in with two short-handed goals this postseason.
Conclusion
As the series shifts back to Florida, both teams have compelling narratives. The Panthers aim to capitalize on their home-ice advantage and secure the championship, while the Oilers seek to extend the series and keep their aspirations alive. Game 5 is poised to be a thrilling contest, with fans from both sides eagerly watching to see whether history will be made or if the Panthers will lift the Stanley Cup.