Series Overview
As the Florida Panthers prepare for Game 5 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, excitement and anticipation fill the air. The Panthers dramatically won the first three games of the series, showcasing their skill and determination. However, on Saturday, the Edmonton Oilers responded with a resounding 8-1 victory, aiming to force a Game 6 and extend their fight for the championship.
The last team to push a series to six games after losing the first three was the 2012 New Jersey Devils. The stage is set for a thrilling battle at Amerant Bank Arena, with the opening faceoff scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.
Florida's Home-Ice Edge
The Panthers enjoy a distinct advantage at home, where they hold an 8-3 postseason record. According to the latest odds, Florida is a -134 favorite, and their recent performance on home ice is nothing short of impressive. They have won four consecutive home games, allowing only four goals in those matchups.
Defensively, Florida has been particularly effective against Edmonton, limiting the Oilers to just two goals in the last three contests. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, despite allowing at least five goals for the third time this postseason on Saturday, has traditionally been strong in rebound performances, conceding a total of three goals following such games.
Panthers' Key Players
The offensive prowess of the Panthers is exemplified by players like Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Reinhart. Verhaeghe has netted 10 goals this postseason, while Reinhart has contributed nine. Both players have made their mark in the Stanley Cup Final, each scoring a goal so far in the series.
Moreover, the duo of Evan Rodrigues and Vladimir Tarasenko has combined for five goals in the series. Rodrigues was particularly effective in the first two games, scoring three goals, and Tarasenko found the net in each of the last two contests, tallying three goals in his last five games. Impressively, Tarasenko only managed two goals in his first 16 postseason games, demonstrating a significant uptick in form.
Additionally, Tarasenko and Anton Lundell are riding three-game point streaks, with Lundell amassing four assists during this run. These key players will be crucial for Florida as they aim to secure the championship on home ice.
Edmonton's Offensive Surge
On the other side, the Edmonton Oilers have displayed their offensive capabilities, scoring at least two goals in each of the last four games. In Game 4, 15 of Edmonton's 18 skaters recorded points, highlighting the team’s depth and versatility.
Connor McDavid, a driving force for the Oilers, led the charge with a goal and three assists in Game 4. McDavid currently leads the NHL with 38 points this postseason and has amassed six points in his last two games. He is nearing the remarkable milestone of 40 points in a single postseason, having already broken Wayne Gretzky's single-playoff assist record set in 1988 with 32 assists.
Defensively, Edmonton has also made significant contributions, with Darnell Nurse scoring in Game 4. Edmonton's defensemen lead the league with 17 goals this postseason. Moreover, 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 been a standout in these situations, recording two short-handed goals this postseason.
Conclusion
As the series heads back to Florida, the Panthers are in a prime position to secure the championship in front of their home crowd. However, the Oilers are determined to extend the series, making Game 5 a highly anticipated and potentially historic contest. Fans from both sides will be eagerly watching to see if history will be made or if the Panthers will lift the Stanley Cup.