Series Overview
The Florida Panthers are gearing up for Game 5 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, with high hopes and anxious anticipation. Leading the series 3-1, the Panthers have showcased remarkable poise and skill. However, the Edmonton Oilers are not backing down easily, still intent on making a strong push to extend the series.
Florida had a commanding start by winning the first three games, but Edmonton struck back hard with an 8-1 victory on Saturday. The Oilers now aim to force a Game 6, a feat last accomplished by the 2012 New Jersey Devils, who managed to push their series to six games after initially losing the first three. The opening faceoff at Amerant Bank Arena is set for 8 p.m. ET.
Florida's Home-Ice Edge
The Panthers hold a slight edge as they return to home ice as -134 favorites according to the latest odds. Their postseason performance at Amerant Bank Arena has been solid, boasting an impressive 8-3 home record. As if that wasn't enough, Florida has also won four consecutive home games and has allowed just four goals in those matches. Their defensive unit has been a fortress, significantly limiting Edmonton to two goals in the last three contests.
Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky has experienced some ups and downs this postseason, allowing at least five goals for the third time on Saturday. Historically, though, Bobrovsky tends to rebound well, allowing a total of just three goals in his recovery performances.
Panthers' Key Players
Offensively, Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Reinhart are leading the charge for the Panthers. Verhaeghe has netted 10 goals this postseason, while Reinhart isn't far behind with nine. Both players have scored once in the Stanley Cup Final, proving their reliability under pressure.
Evan Rodrigues and Vladimir Tarasenko have put on noteworthy displays, combining for five goals in the series. Rodrigues netted three goals in the first two games, while Tarasenko scored in each of the last two contests. Tarasenko has particularly heated up recently, scoring three goals in his last five games after initially recording just two in his first 16 postseason appearances. Additionally, both Tarasenko and Anton Lundell are riding three-game point streaks, with Lundell accumulating four assists during his run.
Edmonton's Offensive Surge
The Edmonton Oilers have managed to generate substantial offense, scoring at least two goals in each of the last four games. In Game 4 alone, 15 of Edmonton's 18 skaters recorded points, illustrating their collective offensive strength. Connor McDavid led this charge with a goal and three assists, taking his playoff point tally to an NHL-leading 38 points. McDavid has collected six points in his last two games and is nearing the significant milestone of 40 points in a single postseason. Remarkably, McDavid broke Wayne Gretzky's single-playoff assist record set in 1988, with 32 assists this postseason.
Among other standout performances, defenseman Darnell Nurse also scored in Game 4 and Edmonton’s defensemen cumulatively lead the league with 17 goals this postseason. Moreover, the Oilers boast the league’s best penalty kill rate at an impressive 93.6%, successfully defending 12 of 13 penalties in the series. Mattias Janmark has contributed two short-handed goals this postseason, showcasing the Oilers' threat even when down a man.
Conclusion
As the series heads back to Florida, the Panthers have the opportunity to clinch the championship on home ice, a scene that fans are eagerly anticipating. Meanwhile, the Oilers are focused on extending the series and defying the odds once again. Game 5 promises to be an exhilarating contest, and fans from both sides will be on the edge of their seats, watching closely to see if history will be made or if the Florida Panthers will lift the Stanley Cup.