Series Overview
The Florida Panthers are gearing up for Game 5 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final. The Panthers began the series with a commanding lead, winning the first three games. However, the Edmonton Oilers bounced back with a resounding 8-1 victory on Saturday, making it clear that they aim to force a Game 6. The stage is set for a thrilling encounter, as the Panthers will look to close out the series on home ice at the Amerant Bank Arena, where the opening faceoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.
Florida's Home-Ice Edge
Florida enters Game 5 as the favorite, with the latest odds listing them at -134. The Panthers have been formidable on home ice throughout the postseason, holding an impressive 8-3 record. They have won four consecutive games at home and have allowed just four goals in those contests. The Panthers’ defense has been particularly effective against Edmonton, limiting them to merely two goals over the last three games.
Despite Sergei Bobrovsky conceding at least five goals for the third time this postseason in Saturday's game, he has a strong track record of bouncing back. In his post-defeat performances, he has allowed just three goals total, showcasing his resilience and capability to perform under pressure.
Panthers' Key Players
The Panthers' offense has been spearheaded by Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Reinhart, who have netted 10 and 9 goals, respectively, this postseason. Both players have made their mark in the Stanley Cup Final, each scoring a goal thus far. In addition, Evan Rodrigues and Vladimir Tarasenko have been key contributors, combining for five goals in the series. Rodrigues has been particularly impactful, scoring three times in the first two games.
Vladimir Tarasenko has found his scoring touch recently, netting goals in each of the last two games and accumulating three goals in his last five outings. This is a notable uptick in performance, considering he had only two goals in his first 16 postseason games. Tarasenko, along with Anton Lundell, is currently riding a three-game point streak. Lundell has been a playmaker during this stretch, tallying four assists.
Edmonton's Offensive Surge
On the other side, the Edmonton Oilers have managed to reignite their offensive game. They have scored at least two goals in each of the last four games. A remarkable highlight from Game 4 was that 15 of Edmonton's 18 skaters managed to record points. Connor McDavid led the charge with a goal and three assists, bringing his postseason total to an impressive 38 points.
McDavid's recent surge has been historic; he has collected six points in his last two games and is closing in on the milestone of 40 points in a single postseason. He also broke Wayne Gretzky's single-playoff assist record, set in 1988, with his 32 assists thus far. Adding to the Oilers' offensive prowess, Darnell Nurse scored in Game 4, contributing to the fact that Edmonton’s defensemen lead the league with 17 goals this postseason.
Special teams have also been a strength for Edmonton, boasting the league’s best penalty kill rate at 93.6%. The Oilers have successfully defended 12 of the 13 penalties in the series. Mattias Janmark has been a standout in this regard, with two short-handed goals in the postseason.
Conclusion
As the series shifts back to Florida for Game 5, the Panthers are poised to secure the championship on their home ice. However, the Oilers are determined to extend the series and keep their Stanley Cup hopes alive. 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 both teams bringing their best to the table, Game 5 promises to be an exhilarating contest.