Series Overview
The Florida Panthers are preparing for Game 5 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, a crucial matchup that could determine the championship's fate. The Panthers, who have exhibited tremendous skill and tenacity throughout the series, secured victories in the first three games. However, the Edmonton Oilers showed signs of life by dominating Game 4 with an 8-1 win on Saturday, aiming to force a Game 6 and keep their championship hopes alive.
Notably, the most recent team to push a series to six games after losing the first three were the 2012 New Jersey Devils. As the Panthers prepare to capitalize on their home-ice advantage, the stage is set for an exhilarating contest at the Amerant Bank Arena, with the opening faceoff scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.
Florida's Home-Ice Edge
Florida enters Game 5 as a -134 favorite according to the latest odds, a testament to their strong performance at home this postseason. The Panthers boast an impressive 8-3 record on home ice and have secured four consecutive home victories. Their defensive prowess has been a key factor in their success, as they have allowed just four goals in the last four home games.
Furthermore, the Panthers' defense has effectively stymied Edmonton's offensive threats, conceding only two goals in the last three contests. However, goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky will need to rebound after Saturday’s tough outing, where he allowed at least five goals for the third time this postseason. Historically, Bobrovsky has shown resilience, allowing a total of just three goals in his follow-up performances.
Panthers' Key Players
The Panthers' offensive lineup is spearheaded by Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Reinhart, who have netted 10 and nine goals respectively this postseason. Despite their scoring prowess, each has found the back of the net only once in the Stanley Cup Final so far.
Evan Rodrigues and Vladimir Tarasenko have emerged as critical contributors as well, combining for five goals in the series. Rodrigues made a strong impact early, scoring three times in the first two games, while Tarasenko has been consistent, finding the net in each of the last two contests. Tarasenko has three goals in his last five games, a stark improvement after scoring only two goals in his first 16 postseason appearances. Both Tarasenko and Anton Lundell are currently riding three-game point streaks, with Lundell tallying four assists during this stretch.
Edmonton's Offensive Surge
The Edmonton Oilers have demonstrated their offensive capabilities, scoring at least two goals in each of the last four games. In their pivotal Game 4 victory, an impressive 15 of Edmonton's 18 skaters recorded points. Leading the charge was Connor McDavid, who tallied one goal and three assists, solidifying his position as the NHL’s points leader with 38 this postseason. McDavid has been on a tear, amassing six points in his last two games and closing in on 40 points in a single postseason, an elite milestone.
Moreover, McDavid shattered Wayne Gretzky's single-playoff assist record from 1988, registering 32 assists. Defenseman Darnell Nurse also made his presence felt in Game 4 by scoring a goal, adding to the impressive tally of 17 goals scored by Edmonton’s defensemen this postseason—the most in the league.
Remarkably, the Oilers have excelled in special teams play, maintaining the league’s best penalty kill rate at 93.6%. They have successfully defended 12 of the 13 penalties in the series and have bolstered their defense with contributions from players like Mattias Janmark, who has recorded two short-handed goals this postseason.
Conclusion
The Stanley Cup Final now heads back to Florida with the Panthers poised to clinch the championship on home ice, while the Oilers are determined to extend the series and continue their fight. Game 5 promises to deliver high drama, as fans from both sides eagerly anticipate witnessing either history in the making or the thrilling moment when the Panthers lift the coveted Stanley Cup. With so much at stake, every play, save, and goal will be magnified, adding to the intensity of this epic series.