Series Overview
The Florida Panthers are preparing for a pivotal Game 5 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final. After capturing the first three games of the series in impressive fashion, the Panthers are on the cusp of securing the championship. However, the Edmonton Oilers responded emphatically, securing an 8-1 victory on Saturday to stave off elimination and shift the momentum slightly in their favor.
With Edmonton aiming to force a Game 6, they will undoubtedly push their limits to sustain this newfound energy. Historical context adds an interesting layer to this scenario, as the 2012 New Jersey Devils were the last team to extend a series to six games after dropping the initial three. The Oilers will look to emulate that resilience as the series heads back to Amerant Bank Arena, with the opening faceoff scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.
Florida's Home-Ice Edge
According to the latest odds, the Panthers are a -134 favorite to clinch the series on their home ice. Florida's performance at home this postseason has been formidable, boasting an 8-3 record. Even more impressive, the Panthers have strung together four consecutive home victories, allowing a mere four goals during this span. Defensively, they have been particularly effective against Edmonton, conceding just two goals across the last three contests.
Nevertheless, Saturday's blowout saw Sergei Bobrovsky allow at least five goals for the third time this postseason. Historically, Bobrovsky tends to bounce back strong, having allowed just three goals in total during his previous rebound performances. Anticipation is high to see whether he can return to his stingy ways in Game 5.
Panthers' Key Players
Florida's offensive firepower has been spearheaded by Carter Verhaeghe, who has netted 10 goals this postseason, and Sam Reinhart, who follows closely with nine. Both players have managed to find the back of the net once in this Stanley Cup Final. Alongside them, Evan Rodrigues and Vladimir Tarasenko have emerged as crucial contributors, combining for five goals in the series. Rodrigues made his mark early, scoring three goals in the first two games, while Tarasenko registered goals in the last two matches and boasts three goals in his last five games.
Despite a slow start with only two goals in his first 16 postseason games, Tarasenko has found his stride. His resurgence is mirrored by Anton Lundell, both currently on three-game point streaks, with Lundell amassing four assists during this span.
Edmonton's Offensive Surge
The Oilers' recent offensive explosion has given them a fighting chance in this series. Edmonton has consistently produced on the offensive end, scoring at least two goals in each of the last four games. Remarkably, fifteen of their eighteen skaters recorded points in Game 4. Connor McDavid, the heart and soul of the Oilers, led the charge with a goal and three assists in that contest. McDavid's stellar performance this postseason has him leading the NHL with 38 points, including six points in his last two games.
McDavid is also on the brink of achieving a rare postseason milestone, nearing 40 points in a single playoff run. He recently broke Wayne Gretzky's single-playoff assist record from 1988, with 32 assists to his name thus far. Darnell Nurse, another key figure for Edmonton, contributed a goal in Game 4. Impressively, Edmonton’s defensemen lead the league with 17 goals this postseason.
Defense remains a critical component of Edmonton's success. Their penalty kill rate, standing at an outstanding 93.6%, is the best in the league. They have successfully defended 12 of 13 penalties in the series, with Mattias Janmark netting two short-handed goals this postseason.
Conclusion
As the series shifts back to Florida, both teams face enormous stakes. The Panthers are poised to secure the championship on home ice, leveraging their home-ice advantage and defensive prowess. Meanwhile, the Oilers are focused on extending the series and rewriting playoff history. Game 5 promises to be an exhilarating contest that will captivate fans from both sides, leaving everyone in anticipation to see whether history will be made or if the Panthers will lift the Stanley Cup.