Series Overview
The Florida Panthers are gearing up for Game 5 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final. Having won the first three games of the series, the Panthers are in prime position to clinch the championship on their home ice. However, the Edmonton Oilers are determined to extend the series after a dominating 8-1 victory on Saturday, demonstrating their resilience and offensive firepower. The last team to force a Game 6 in the Stanley Cup Final after losing the first three games was the 2012 New Jersey Devils, a feat the Oilers aim to replicate.
Opening faceoff at Amerant Bank Arena is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, and anticipation is mounting as both teams prepare for what promises to be an exhilarating contest.
Florida's Home-Ice Edge
The Florida Panthers have a significant advantage playing on home ice, reflected in their -134 favorite status according to the latest odds. This postseason, the Panthers boast an impressive 8-3 home record and have secured victories in their last four home games. The team’s defense has been particularly staunch, allowing just four goals in these matches and limiting Edmonton to only two goals over the last three contests.
However, goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky had a challenging game on Saturday, conceding at least five goals for the third time this postseason. Bobrovsky has shown resilience in the past, allowing a combined total of just three goals in rebound performances following such difficult games. This defensive solidity will be crucial for Florida as they seek to shut down Edmonton’s high-powered offense.
Panthers' Key Players
The Panthers' offensive efforts will be spearheaded by Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Reinhart, who have netted 10 and 9 goals respectively this postseason. Both players have each scored once in the Stanley Cup Final, but will need to find another gear to help clinch the series.
Evan Rodrigues and Vladimir Tarasenko have also been pivotal, combining for five goals in the series. Rodrigues started strong with three goals in the first two games, while Tarasenko has found success more recently, scoring in the last two contests. Tarasenko’s recent form is encouraging, with three goals in his last five games after a slow start to the postseason.
Additionally, Tarasenko and Anton Lundell are riding three-game point streaks, with Lundell contributing four assists during this period. The continuous offensive contributions from these key players are essential if the Panthers hope to lift the Stanley Cup in front of their home fans.
Edmonton's Offensive Surge
The Edmonton Oilers have shown their offensive capabilities throughout the series, scoring at least two goals in each of the last four games. Their explosive performance in Game 4, where 15 of Edmonton’s 18 skaters recorded points, highlighted the depth and versatility of their attack. Leading the charge was Connor McDavid, who registered a goal and three assists, bringing his postseason tally to 38 points—currently the highest in the NHL.
McDavid has been particularly prolific in the last two games, amassing six points and nearing the milestone of 40 points in a single postseason. His remarkable playmaking ability was evident as he broke Wayne Gretzky’s single-playoff assist record set in 1988, now standing at 32 assists this postseason.
The Oilers' defense has also been integral to their offense, with Darnell Nurse scoring in Game 4 and Edmonton’s defensemen leading the league with 17 goals this postseason. Defensively, Edmonton has excelled with the league’s best penalty kill rate at 93.6%, successfully defending 12 of 13 penalties in the series. Mattias Janmark has added an extra dimension with two short-handed goals this postseason, providing crucial momentum shifts.
Conclusion
As the series returns to Florida, the Panthers are focused on securing the championship on home ice, while the Oilers are determined to force a Game 6. Both teams have shown their strengths and resilience, making Game 5 a pivotal and highly anticipated matchup.
With a potentially historic moment on the line, fans from both sides will be eagerly watching to see if the Panthers can clinch the Stanley Cup or if the Oilers can extend this thrilling series. Either outcome will cap off what has already been a captivating and fiercely contested 2024 Stanley Cup Final.