Series Overview
The Florida Panthers are gearing up for Game 5 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, with hopes of clinching the championship on their home ice. The Panthers have secured victories in the first three games of the series but faced a setback in Game 4 when the Edmonton Oilers triumphed with a decisive 8-1 win on Saturday.
Looking to build on their recent success, the Oilers aim to force a Game 6, a feat last accomplished by the 2012 New Jersey Devils after losing the first three games of their series. The opening faceoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET at Amerant Bank Arena, adding to the anticipation and excitement surrounding this crucial match-up.
Florida's Home-Ice Edge
Florida enters Game 5 as a -134 favorite, according to the latest odds, and with good reason. The Panthers boast an 8-3 record on home ice this postseason and have clinched victories in their last four home games. Equally impressive, Florida has allowed just four goals in those four games, showcasing their defensive prowess.
The Panthers have effectively contained Edmonton's offense, conceding only two goals in the last three contests. However, goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky has been a bit inconsistent, allowing at least five goals for the third time this postseason in Saturday's game. Historically, Bobrovsky has shown resilience, allowing a total of three goals in subsequent rebound performances.
Panthers' Key Players
Key players for the Panthers have stepped up throughout the postseason. Carter Verhaeghe leads with ten goals, while Sam Reinhart follows closely with nine. Both Verhaeghe and Reinhart have contributed one goal each in the Stanley Cup Final.
Evan Rodrigues and Vladimir Tarasenko have also been instrumental, combining for five goals in the series. Rodrigues made a strong start with three goals in the first two games, while Tarasenko has found the back of the net in each of the last two contests, tallying three goals in his last five games. Notably, after scoring just two goals in his first 16 postseason games, Tarasenko’s performance has been on an upward trajectory.
Additionally, Tarasenko and Anton Lundell are riding three-game point streaks, with Lundell contributing four assists during this run. Their consistent contributions highlight the depth and versatility of Florida's roster.
Edmonton's Offensive Surge
On the other side of the rink, the Oilers have demonstrated significant offensive capabilities. Edmonton has scored at least two goals in each of the last four games, with a remarkable showing in Game 4, where 15 of their 18 skaters recorded points. Connor McDavid led the charge with a goal and three assists in that game, solidifying his place as the NHL’s points leader with 38.
McDavid has amassed six points over the last two games and is closing in on the 40-point mark for a single postseason. His performance broke Wayne Gretzky's single-playoff assist record set in 1988, with McDavid currently standing at 32 assists.
Defenseman Darnell Nurse also contributed with a goal in Game 4, underscoring Edmonton's balanced attack. Oilers' defensemen lead the league with 17 goals this postseason, further complemented by the team’s impressive penalty kill rate of 93.6%. Edmonton has successfully defended 12 of 13 penalties in the series, with Mattias Janmark adding two short-handed goals to their tally this postseason.
Conclusion
As the series shifts back to Florida, the Panthers find themselves on the cusp of capturing the Stanley Cup on home ice. Meanwhile, the Oilers are focused on extending the series and pushing for Game 6, adding to the drama and intensity of Game 5.
This pivotal encounter promises to be a thrilling contest, with fans from both sides eagerly watching to see if the Panthers will hoist the Stanley Cup or if the Oilers will continue to defy the odds and keep their hopes alive. Either way, Game 5 is set to deliver an unforgettable spectacle in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final.