Series Overview
The anticipation builds as the Florida Panthers gear up for Game 5 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final. Having won the first three games of the series, the Panthers are in a favorable position but cannot afford to be complacent. The Edmonton Oilers' fiery response in Game 4, where they emerged victorious with an 8-1 win last Saturday, keeps the series alive and adds a layer of unpredictability.
The Oilers are focused on forcing a Game 6, a task not accomplished since the 2012 New Jersey Devils managed to push a series to six games after losing the first three. With the opening faceoff at Amerant Bank Arena set for 8 p.m. ET, hockey fans are on the edge of their seats, waiting to see if the Panthers can clinch their first Stanley Cup on home ice.
Florida's Home-Ice Edge
Despite the recent setback, the Panthers hold a significant advantage at Amerant Bank Arena, where they are -134 favorites according to the latest odds. Florida boasts an impressive 8-3 home record this postseason, including four consecutive home victories. Their robust defense has been particularly noteworthy, allowing just four goals across those four winning games.
Additionally, the Panthers' defense has effectively stifled Edmonton's offense, conceding only two goals in the last three matchups before Game 4. Although Sergei Bobrovsky allowed at least five goals for the third time this postseason on Saturday, his rebound performances have been remarkable. Each time he allowed five or more goals, he rebounded by allowing a total of just three goals in subsequent games.
Panthers' Key Players
Leading the charge for the Panthers are Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Reinhart, with 10 and nine postseason goals respectively. Both players have contributed one goal each in the Stanley Cup Final. Support for the dynamic duo comes from Evan Rodrigues and Vladimir Tarasenko, who have combined for five goals in the series.
Rodrigues made a strong start with three goals in the first two games, while Tarasenko has found his form with goals in each of the last two contests, bringing his tally to three goals in his last five games. After a slow start with just two goals in his first 16 postseason games, Tarasenko’s resurgence is a welcomed boost for the Panthers. Alongside him, Anton Lundell is on a three-game point streak, contributing four assists during this run.
Edmonton's Offensive Surge
The Edmonton Oilers have shown they are far from giving up, with their offense generating substantial momentum in recent games. They have scored at least two goals in each of the last four games, with their offensive depth on full display in Game 4—fifteen of their 18 skaters recorded points.
Connor McDavid led the charge with a stellar performance, registering a goal and three assists in Game 4. McDavid leads the NHL with 38 postseason points, including an impressive six points in his last two games. He is on the brink of reaching 40 points in a single postseason and has already broken Wayne Gretzky's single-playoff assist record set in 1988 with 32 assists.
Adding to the offensive effort, Darnell Nurse scored in Game 4, highlighting the contribution from Edmonton’s defensemen, who lead the league with 17 goals this postseason. On the defensive end, the Oilers boast the league’s best penalty kill rate at 93.6%, successfully defending 12 of 13 penalties in the series. Mattias Janmark has also been clutch, scoring two short-handed goals this postseason.
Conclusion
As the series shifts back to Florida, the stakes could not be higher. The Panthers are poised to secure the championship on home ice, hoping for their first Stanley Cup victory. On the other hand, the Oilers are determined to extend the series and keep their championship hopes alive. Game 5 promises to deliver an exhilarating contest, with fans eagerly watching to see if history will be made or if the Panthers will finally lift the coveted Stanley Cup.