Series Overview
The Florida Panthers are gearing up for Game 5 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final. The Panthers secured victories in the first three games, but Edmonton staged a dramatic comeback with an 8-1 win on Saturday. The Oilers are now aiming to force a Game 6, reminiscent of the 2012 New Jersey Devils, who were the last team to push a series to six games after losing the first three. The opening faceoff at Amerant Bank Arena is set for 8 p.m. ET.
Florida's Home-Ice Advantage
Florida holds a -134 favorite status, according to the latest odds. The Panthers have demonstrated exceptional performance on their home ice with an 8-3 record this postseason. Notably, they have won four consecutive home games, allowing just four goals over those contests. Their defense has been particularly impressive against Edmonton, limiting the Oilers to two goals in the last three games. Despite Sergei Bobrovsky's lapse, allowing at least five goals for the third time this postseason on Saturday, he has a track record of rebounding, having conceded only three goals in total in his rebound performances.
Panthers' Key Players
Carter Verhaeghe has been a standout with 10 goals this postseason, while Sam Reinhart follows closely with nine. Both Verhaeghe and Reinhart have contributed a goal each in the Stanley Cup Final. Evan Rodrigues and Vladimir Tarasenko have also been pivotal, combining for five goals in the series. Rodrigues netted three goals in the first two games, and Tarasenko has scored in each of the last two contests, totaling three goals in his last five games. Initially slow to start, Tarasenko recorded just two goals in his first 16 postseason games but has since found his stride. Anton Lundell, riding a three-game point streak, has been instrumental as well, amassing four assists during his current run.
Edmonton's Offensive Surge
Edmonton has proven to be a formidable offensive force, scoring at least two goals in each of the last four games. Their Game 4 performance was particularly impressive, with 15 of their 18 skaters recording points. Connor McDavid led the charge with a goal and three assists, bringing his postseason point total to an impressive 38, the highest in the NHL. McDavid has been relentless, collecting six points in his last two games, closing in on 40 points in a single postseason. He also broke Wayne Gretzky's single-playoff assist record set in 1988 with 32 assists this postseason. Darnell Nurse contributed with a goal in Game 4, bolstering Edmonton’s league-leading defensemen goal count of 17 this postseason.
Edmonton's special teams have also been stellar, boasting the league’s best penalty kill rate at 93.6%. They have successfully defended 12 of 13 penalties in the series, and Mattias Janmark has added two short-handed goals this postseason, showcasing their resilience and tactical acumen when a man down.
Conclusion
As the series heads back to Florida, the Panthers are eager to clinch the championship on home ice. Meanwhile, the Oilers are determined to extend the series, fighting tooth and nail to push the contest to a Game 6. Both teams have shown remarkable skill and resilience, setting the stage for an exhilarating Game 5. Hockey fans from both sides will be eagerly watching, anticipating whether history will be made with an Edmonton comeback or if the Panthers will hoist the Stanley Cup in front of their home crowd.