Series Overview
The Florida Panthers are gearing up for Game 5 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, bringing the showdown back to their home turf at Amerant Bank Arena. The opening faceoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, and the Panthers, who lead the series 3-1, have their sights set on clinching the championship in front of their home crowd.
The Panthers started the series strong, securing victories in the first three games. However, Edmonton roared back with a decisive 8-1 win on Saturday, making it clear they aim to force a Game 6 in this intense Final. The last team to push a series to six games after losing the first three was the 2012 New Jersey Devils.
Florida's Home-Ice Edge
With the next game at home, Florida enters as a -134 favorite according to the latest odds. The Panthers' performance on home ice has been notably strong this postseason, boasting an 8-3 record. They have won their last four home games and have allowed just four goals in those contests, showcasing a staunch defensive stance.
Importantly, Florida's defense has held the potent Edmonton offense in check, limiting them to two goals over three games. Yet, goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky permitted at least five goals for the third time this postseason in Saturday's game. Historically, Bobrovsky has performed better in rebound efforts, having allowed a total of just three goals in the subsequent games following those high-allowance performances.
Panthers' Key Players
Offensively, the Panthers have been led by Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Reinhart, who have 10 and 9 goals respectively this postseason. Each player has one goal in the Stanley Cup Final, contributing significantly to Florida's offensive push.
Furthermore, Evan Rodrigues and Vladimir Tarasenko have been pivotal in the Panthers' attack, combining for five goals in the series. Rodrigues netted three goals in the first two games, while Tarasenko found the back of the net in each of the last two contests, bringing his total to three goals over the last five games. Notably, Tarasenko had only two goals in his first 16 postseason games, demonstrating a timely increase in production.
Additionally, both Tarasenko and Anton Lundell are currently on three-game point streaks, with Lundell amassing four assists during this span.
Edmonton's Offensive Surge
The Edmonton Oilers have also shown formidable offensive prowess, scoring at least two goals in each of the last four games. Their explosive performance in Game 4 saw 15 of Edmonton's 18 skaters record points. Connor McDavid led the charge with a goal and three assists, extending his leadership in the NHL with 38 points this postseason.
McDavid's performance has been nothing short of historic, breaking Wayne Gretzky’s single-playoff assist record set in 1988 by amassing 32 assists thus far. With six points in his last two games, McDavid is on the brink of reaching 40 points in a single postseason, a feat achieved by only a select few.
Defenseman Darnell Nurse also made his mark by scoring in Game 4. Overall, Edmonton’s defensemen have led the league with 17 goals this postseason. The Oilers have excelled in special teams play as well, boasting the league’s best penalty kill rate at 93.6% and successfully defending 12 of 13 penalties in the series. Mattias Janmark has contributed significantly to this effort with two short-handed goals.
Conclusion
As the series returns to Florida, the Panthers are poised to secure the championship on home ice, while the Oilers are determined to extend the series and keep their hopes alive. Game 5 promises to be an exhilarating contest, with fans from both sides eagerly watching to see if history will be made or if the Panthers will lift the Stanley Cup.