Series Overview
As the Florida Panthers prepare for Game 5 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, the stakes could not be higher. The Panthers stormed out of the gates, winning the first three games of the series, but the Edmonton Oilers have shown signs of a fierce comeback. Saturday's 8-1 victory by Edmonton has breathed new life into the series, and now, the Oilers aim to force a Game 6.
The last time a team pushed a series to six games after losing the first three was the 2012 New Jersey Devils. With history on the line, opening faceoff at Amerant Bank Arena is set for 8 p.m. ET.
Florida's Home-Ice Edge
The Panthers hold a significant advantage heading into Game 5, being favored at -134 according to the latest odds. Florida has been near-dominant on home ice this postseason, boasting an 8-3 record, including four consecutive home victories. During these four games, the Panthers have allowed just four goals, underscoring their defensive strength.
The Panthers’ defense has shown exceptional resilience, limiting Edmonton to only two goals over the last three contests prior to Game 4. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky had a tough outing on Saturday, allowing five goals—the third time this postseason that he's conceded five or more. However, historically, Bobrovsky has shown the ability to rebound strongly, allowing just three goals in his rebound performances.
Panthers' Key Players
Florida's success can be largely attributed to the standout performances of several key players. Carter Verhaeghe has been a formidable force with 10 goals this postseason, while Sam Reinhart has contributed nine goals. Both Verhaeghe and Reinhart have found the back of the net once in the Stanley Cup Final.
Evan Rodrigues and Vladimir Tarasenko have also been pivotal, combining for five goals in the series. Rodrigues set the tone early with three goals in the first two games, and Tarasenko has found his stride, scoring in each of the last two contests. Tarasenko has racked up three goals in his last five games after a slow start to the postseason, where he only managed two goals in his first 16 postseason appearances.
Additionally, Anton Lundell has been a key playmaker, riding a three-game point streak with four assists during this run. Both Tarasenko and Lundell are expected to continue their contributions as the series progresses.
Edmonton's Offensive Surge
The Edmonton Oilers have demonstrated their offensive capabilities, particularly in Game 4 where they scored a commanding 8-1 victory. Connor McDavid, the regular-season MVP, led the charge with a goal and three assists. McDavid currently tops the NHL leaderboard with 38 points this postseason, including six points in his last two games. He is on the brink of reaching 40 points in a single postseason, a feat that places him in elite company.
Notably, McDavid has also shattered Wayne Gretzky's single-playoff assist record set in 1988, amassing 32 assists so far. Contributing to the offensive firepower, Edmonton’s defensemen have collectively netted 17 goals this postseason, with Darnell Nurse scoring in Game 4.
Defensively, the Oilers have been formidable, leading the league with a penalty kill rate of 93.6%. They have successfully defended 12 of 13 penalties in the series, a testament to their disciplined and strategic play. Mattias Janmark has also made his mark with two short-handed goals this postseason, highlighting the team's opportunistic defense.
Conclusion
As the series shifts back to Florida, the Panthers aim to clinch the championship on home ice, while the Oilers are determined to extend the series. Game 5 promises to be an exhilarating contest, filled with high stakes and intense competition. Fans from both sides will be eagerly watching to see if history will be made or if the Panthers will lift the Stanley Cup.
With much on the line, every minute of Game 5 will be crucial, setting the stage for a potentially historic night in the world of hockey.