Series Overview
The Florida Panthers are preparing for Game 5 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, keenly aware of what's at stake. Having won the first three games of the series, the Panthers are in a strong position. However, their recent 8-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday serves as a stark reminder that the series is far from over.
With the Oilers determined to force a Game 6, history isn't entirely on their side. The last team to push a series to six games after losing the first three was the 2012 New Jersey Devils. Nevertheless, anything is possible in the high-stakes world of the Stanley Cup.
The opening faceoff at Amerant Bank Arena is set for 8 p.m. ET, promising an electric atmosphere as fans from both sides gear up for a pivotal contest.
Florida's Home-Ice Edge
The Panthers enter Game 5 as -134 favorites according to the latest odds. Their home record this postseason stands at an impressive 8-3. Even more encouraging, Florida has won their last four consecutive home games, demonstrating a formidable home-ice advantage.
Defensively, the Panthers have been solid, allowing just four goals over their last four home games. In particular, they have managed to stifle Edmonton's offense, limiting them to only two goals in the last three contests. However, goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky's performance will be under scrutiny after allowing at least five goals for the third time this postseason on Saturday. Historically, Bobrovsky has rebounded well, conceding a total of just three goals in his recovery performances.
Panthers' Key Players
Offensively, Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Reinhart have been the standout players for the Panthers. Verhaeghe has netted 10 goals this postseason, while Reinhart isn't far behind with nine. Both players have shown up in critical moments, each scoring a goal in the Stanley Cup Final thus far.
Additionally, Evan Rodrigues and Vladimir Tarasenko have combined for five goals in the series. Rodrigues made an explosive start, scoring three goals in the first two games, while Tarasenko has been consistent with goals in each of the last two contests. Tarasenko, riding a hot streak, has scored three goals in his last five games after a relatively quiet start to the postseason. He, along with Anton Lundell—who has recorded four assists during a three-game point streak—will be vital to Florida's offensive efforts.
Edmonton's Offensive Surge
The Edmonton Oilers have demonstrated their offensive prowess, scoring at least two goals in each of the last four games. Game 4 was a particularly impressive display, with 15 of Edmonton’s 18 skaters recording points. Leading the charge was Connor McDavid, who tallied a goal and three assists.
McDavid's postseason performance has been nothing short of historic. He currently leads the NHL with 38 points and has accumulated six points in his last two games. Remarkably, McDavid is nearing the 40-point milestone in a single postseason and has broken Wayne Gretzky’s single-playoff assist record set in 1988, with 32 assists so far.
Darnell Nurse also contributed with a goal in Game 4, showcasing the strength of Edmonton's defensemen, who lead the league with 17 goals this postseason. The Oilers’ defense has paired offensive contributions with an exceptional penalty kill rate of 93.6%, successfully defending 12 of 13 penalties in the series. Additionally, Mattias Janmark has made a significant impact with two short-handed goals this postseason.
Conclusion
As the series heads back to Florida, the Panthers are focused on securing the championship on home ice while the Oilers are determined to extend the series. Game 5 promises to be an exhilarating contest, filled with high drama and intense competition. Fans from both sides will be eagerly watching to see if the Panthers will hoist the Stanley Cup or if Edmonton can keep their championship hopes alive by pushing the series to a sixth game.