Series Overview
The Florida Panthers are gearing up for Game 5 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, looking to capitalize on their strong position. The Panthers won the first three games in the series but suffered a setback with an 8-1 defeat to the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday.
With the Oilers looking to carry their Game 4 momentum into Game 5, they aim to force a Game 6 in the Stanley Cup Final. Notably, the last team to push a series to six games after losing the first three was the 2012 New Jersey Devils. The drama unfolds with the opening faceoff set for 8 p.m. ET at Amerant Bank Arena.
Florida's Home-Ice Edge
Heading into Game 5, the Florida Panthers hold a significant home-ice advantage, being listed as a -134 favorite according to the latest odds. The Panthers' postseason home record stands at an impressive 8-3. They have won four consecutive home games, conceding just four goals in the process.
Their defense has been particularly stingy, restricting Edmonton to only two goals in the last three contests. However, goalie Sergei Bobrovsky had a rough outing on Saturday, allowing at least five goals for the third time this postseason. Historically, Bobrovsky has bounced back strongly after such performances, allowing a total of merely three goals in subsequent games.
Panthers' Key Players
Offensively, Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Reinhart have been leading the charge for Florida. Verhaeghe has netted 10 goals this postseason, while Reinhart is just behind with nine. Both players have contributed a goal each in the Stanley Cup Final so far.
Evan Rodrigues and Vladimir Tarasenko have also stepped up when it matters most, combining for five goals in the series. Rodrigues excelled in the first two games with three goals, while Tarasenko found the net in the last two contests, bringing his total to three goals in his last five games. It’s worth noting that Tarasenko had scored only two goals in his first 16 postseason appearances this year. Both Tarasenko and Anton Lundell find themselves on three-game point streaks, with Lundell accumulating four assists during this run.
Edmonton's Offensive Surge
The Edmonton Oilers have shown their offensive prowess throughout the series, managing to score at least two goals in each of the last four games. Their Game 4 performance was a testament to their depth, as 15 out of their 18 skaters recorded points. Connor McDavid was the standout performer, leading with a goal and three assists.
McDavid now leads the NHL with 38 points this postseason and is on the cusp of hitting the 40-point mark. He accumulated six points in his last two games and recently broke Wayne Gretzky’s single-playoff assist record set back in 1988. McDavid has an incredible 32 assists this postseason.
Defensively, Darnell Nurse scored in Game 4 to add to Edmonton’s tally. Edmonton's defensemen have led the charge, registering 17 goals this postseason, which stands as the league's highest. Their defensive line, coupled with an exceptional penalty kill rate of 93.6%, has been a cornerstone of their success. The Oilers have successfully defended 12 of the 13 penalty situations in this series, with Mattias Janmark contributing two short-handed goals overall this postseason.
Conclusion
As the series heads back to Florida, the Panthers seek to secure the championship on home ice. Meanwhile, the Oilers are determined to extend the series and keep their hopes alive. With tensions running high and both teams bringing their best to the table, 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. Regardless of the outcome, this showdown is set to be one for the ages.