Series Overview
As the Florida Panthers prepare for Game 5 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, the excitement is palpable. Holding a 3-1 series lead after winning the first three games, the Panthers were given a reality check with an 8-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday. The Oilers now aim to force a Game 6, hoping to become the first team since the 2012 New Jersey Devils to extend a series to six games after losing the first three.
The puck drops at 8 p.m. ET at Amerant Bank Arena, where Florida will look to capitalize on their home-ice advantage to clinch the championship.
Florida's Home-Ice Edge
The Panthers enter the game as -134 favorites according to the latest odds, and for good reason. Florida boasts an impressive 8-3 record at home during this postseason, having won their last four consecutive home games. In those games, they’ve permitted just four goals, showcasing their defensive prowess. Over the last three contests against Edmonton, Florida's defense has limited the high-powered Oilers offense to merely two goals.
However, goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky had a challenging outing on Saturday. For the third time this postseason, Bobrovsky allowed at least five goals. Historically, the seasoned netminder rebounds well, having allowed only a total of three goals in his subsequent rebound performances.
Panthers' Key Players
Offensively, the Panthers have been powered by the likes of Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Reinhart. Verhaeghe has netted 10 goals this postseason, while Reinhart sits just behind with nine. Each of them has contributed a goal in the Stanley Cup Final.
Another potent duo for Florida has been Evan Rodrigues and Vladimir Tarasenko, who have combined for five goals in the series. Rodrigues found the back of the net three times in the first two games, while Tarasenko has scored in the last two contests. Tarasenko's form has surged recently, with three goals in his last five games after scoring just two in his first 16 postseason appearances.
Additionally, Tarasenko and Anton Lundell are riding three-game point streaks. Lundell, in particular, has been a key playmaker with four assists during his streak.
Edmonton's Offensive Surge
The Oilers have demonstrated their offensive mettle throughout the series, scoring at least two goals in each of the last four games. Their offensive explosion in Game 4 saw 15 of their 18 skaters record points, with captain Connor McDavid leading the charge. McDavid notched a goal and three assists, bringing his postseason tally to an NHL-leading 38 points. Over his last two games, he has amassed six points.
McDavid's performance this postseason has been historic. He is closing in on 40 points in a single postseason and recently broke the legendary Wayne Gretzky's single-playoff assist record set in 1988, recording 32 assists so far.
McDavid was supported by contributions from the blue line as well, with Darnell Nurse scoring in Game 4. Edmonton’s defensemen have collectively scored 17 goals this postseason, leading the league in this category, while the team's penalty kill boasts a remarkable 93.6% success rate. Edmonton has successfully defended 12 of 13 penalties in the series, with Mattias Janmark contributing two short-handed goals during these playoffs.
Conclusion
As the series shifts back to Florida, the Panthers aim to leverage their home-ice advantage to secure the Stanley Cup in front of their fans. Meanwhile, the Oilers are fighting to prolong the series and keep their championship hopes alive. Game 5 promises to be an exhilarating and pivotal contest.
Fans on both sides are anxiously awaiting the outcome, wondering if history will be made by an Edmonton comeback or if the Panthers will finally lift the Stanley Cup.