Series Overview
The Florida Panthers are preparing for Game 5 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, where they hope to clinch the championship on home ice. The Panthers currently lead the series, having secured victories in the first three games. However, the Edmonton Oilers demonstrated their resilience with a commanding 8-1 win on Saturday, reflecting their determination to push the series to a sixth game.
The Oilers aim to become the first team since the 2012 New Jersey Devils to extend a series to six games after losing the first three. Game 5 is set for an 8 p.m. ET faceoff at the Amerant Bank Arena, where fans from both sides will be eagerly watching to see if history will be made or if the Panthers will raise the Stanley Cup.
Florida's Home-Ice Edge
Florida enters Game 5 as a -134 favorite according to the latest odds, and their performance on home ice has been formidable this postseason. The Panthers boast an impressive 8-3 home record and are on a four-game winning streak in their arena. Their defensive strength has been particularly notable, with the team allowing just four goals in the last four home games.
The Panthers have effectively stifled the Oilers’ offensive efforts, limiting Edmonton to two goals over the last three contests. However, goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky experienced a tough outing on Saturday, allowing at least five goals for the third time this postseason. Historically, Bobrovsky has demonstrated resilience, having allowed a total of just three goals in his subsequent rebound performances.
Panthers' Key Players
Offensively, Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Reinhart have been pivotal for the Panthers, with Verhaeghe netting 10 goals and Reinhart securing nine this postseason. Both players have contributed a goal each in the Stanley Cup Final. Evan Rodrigues and Vladimir Tarasenko have also made significant impacts, combining for five goals in the series thus far. Rodrigues was particularly effective in the first two games, scoring three goals, while Tarasenko found the net in the last two contests, bringing his total to three goals in his last five games.
Additionally, Anton Lundell and Tarasenko are currently riding three-game point streaks, with Lundell amassing four assists during his run. Their continued offensive contributions could be crucial as the Panthers seek to close out the series.
Edmonton's Offensive Surge
Despite being on the brink of elimination, the Oilers have shown substantial offensive prowess. Edmonton has scored at least two goals in each of the last four games, with an impressive 15 of their 18 skaters recording points in Game 4. Connor McDavid led the charge with a goal and three assists, further cementing his status as the league's top point producer with 38 points this postseason. McDavid has been on fire, collecting six points in his last two games and is nearing the rare feat of 40 points in a single postseason. Remarkably, he has broken Wayne Gretzky's single-playoff assist record set in 1988, with 32 assists to his name.
Among Edmonton's defensemen, Darnell Nurse scored in Game 4, contributing to the team’s league-leading total of 17 goals from defensemen this postseason. The Oilers' defensive unit has not only been productive offensively but has also excelled at penalty killing, boasting a league-best rate of 93.6%. They have successfully defended 12 of 13 penalties in the series, with Mattias Janmark adding two short-handed goals to their tally.
Conclusion
As the series heads back to Florida, the Panthers are eager to secure the championship on home ice. Meanwhile, the Oilers focus on extending the series and keeping their Stanley Cup hopes alive. Game 5 promises to be an exhilarating contest, with fans from both sides excited to see whether the Panthers will lift the Stanley Cup or if the Oilers will continue their quest for an incredible comeback.