Series Overview
As the 2024 Stanley Cup Final heads into Game 5, the Florida Panthers are on the cusp of clinching the title. With the series standing at 3-1 in favor of Florida, the Panthers have a significant edge, but the Edmonton Oilers are fighting back vigorously. The Oilers made a strong statement in Game 4 with a commanding 8-1 victory, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating Game 5 at Amerant Bank Arena. The opening faceoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.
Florida's Home-Ice Advantage
Florida enters Game 5 as a -134 favorite according to the latest odds, bolstered by their impressive home record this postseason. The Panthers have won eight of their 11 home games and are currently riding a four-game home winning streak. A crucial part of their success has been their stingy defense, which has allowed just four goals in the last four home games. The Panthers’ defense has been particularly effective against the high-powered Oilers, limiting them to just two goals in three contests before Saturday’s blowout.
Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, despite conceding five or more goals for the third time this postseason in Game 4, has shown resilience in his rebound performances. Bobrovsky allowed just three goals in his post-defeat games, underscoring his capability to bounce back and deliver when the stakes are high.
Panthers' Key Players
Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Reinhart have been pivotal for the Panthers this postseason, with Verhaeghe netting 10 goals and Reinhart adding nine. Both players have scored once in the Stanley Cup Final. In addition to their contributions, Evan Rodrigues and Vladimir Tarasenko have been remarkable in the series. Rodrigues scored three goals in the first two games, while Tarasenko found the net in the last two contests, bringing his total to three goals in his last five games after a slow start with just two goals in his first 16 postseason outings.
Tarasenko and Anton Lundell are both riding three-game point streaks, with Lundell amassing four assists during his run. These performances highlight the depth and versatility of Florida’s roster, making them a formidable opponent on both ends of the ice.
Edmonton's Offensive Surge
Despite being on the brink of elimination, the Edmonton Oilers have showcased their offensive might, particularly in Game 4. The team scored at least two goals in each of the last four games, with an extraordinary 15 of their 18 skaters recording points in the last contest. Connor McDavid, the spearhead of Edmonton's attack, led the charge with a goal and three assists in Game 4, bringing his postseason tally to an NHL-leading 38 points.
McDavid has been in scintillating form, collecting six points in the last two games and edging closer to the 40-point mark in a single postseason. He has also broken Wayne Gretzky's single-playoff assist record from 1988, amassing an astonishing 32 assists so far. Edmonton also benefits from contributions by their defensemen, who lead the league with 17 goals this postseason.
Darnell Nurse added a goal in Game 4, and Mattias Janmark has been a force on the penalty kill, scoring two short-handed goals this postseason. Edmonton boasts the league’s best penalty kill rate at 93.6%, having successfully defended 12 out of 13 penalties in the series. This exceptional special teams play could be a deciding factor as they aim to force a Game 6.
Conclusion
The 2024 Stanley Cup Final returns to Florida with the Panthers looking to secure the championship on home ice. Meanwhile, the Oilers are focused on extending the series and keeping their hopes alive. Game 5 is set to be a thrilling contest, with fans from both sides eagerly watching to see if history will be made, or if the Panthers will lift the Stanley Cup.