With the Stanley Cup in attendance for the second consecutive game, the Florida Panthers fell short in Game 5, unable to secure a victory as the Edmonton Oilers emerged with a 5-3 win.
The game began quietly, with the Oilers taking a 1-0 lead after the first period. The second period saw a flurry of action, with a total of five goals scored between the teams. Although the Panthers narrowed the gap in the third period, they couldn’t find the equalizer, and Connor McDavid sealed the game with an empty-net goal.
McDavid had a standout performance, tallying four points in the game and continuing his ascent up the all-time playoff points leaderboard. His 42 points this postseason put him within five points of Wayne Gretzky’s record set in 1985.
Let’s delve into the breakdown. Here are our evaluations for both teams, standout observations, key players to monitor, and lingering questions ahead of Game 6 (8 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN+).
Panthers Assessment: B- Florida arrived late to Game 5 and ran out of time to clinch their first Stanley Cup championship. They conceded an early shorthanded goal in the first period, which seemed to deflate them until the latter part of the second period. By then, they faced a significant deficit, difficult to overcome against a determined opponent.
While the Panthers displayed resilience in the third period and their depth players contributed, key stars like Sam Reinhart, Aleksander Barkov, and Carter Verhaeghe struggled to make a substantial impact. Edmonton’s top players delivered when it mattered most, highlighting the urgency for Florida’s stars to step up in Game 6.
Oilers Evaluation: B+ Following their eight-goal outburst in Game 4, the Oilers carried forward the momentum to Game 5 with a solid performance. They opened the scoring once again and built a commanding three-goal lead. Their power play, previously under scrutiny, found success, and they showcased defensive prowess by blocking 26 shots to support goaltender Stuart Skinner.
Despite facing challenges, particularly in the second period where they allowed two quick goals, the Oilers managed to weather the storm and maintain their advantage. Their ability to respond to pressure situations was crucial in securing the win.
Key Takeaways from Game 5 Florida’s Special Teams Vulnerability While the Panthers initially contained Edmonton’s potent power play, the Oilers capitalized in Game 5, scoring a shorthanded goal and two power-play goals. In contrast, Florida failed to convert on their power play opportunities, going 0-for-3. To compete effectively, the Panthers must improve their special teams play to match Edmonton’s efficiency.
Bobrovsky Needs Defensive Support Florida relied heavily on Sergei Bobrovsky’s stellar goaltending throughout the playoffs. However, defensive lapses in the past two games have exposed Bobrovsky to increased pressure. The Panthers must reinforce their defensive structure to alleviate Bobrovsky’s workload and give him the best chance to succeed.
Oilers’ Power Play Progress After struggling initially, Edmonton’s power play found its rhythm, underscoring their ability to adapt and find solutions against tough penalty kills. This improvement bodes well for their prospects heading into Game 6, where special teams could again play a decisive role.
Evan Bouchard’s Breakout Evan Bouchard’s three-assist performance in Game 5 not only enhanced his stellar postseason but also positioned him among the league’s top young defensemen. His offensive contributions have been instrumental for the Oilers, echoing the impact of elite puck-moving defensemen in recent Stanley Cup runs.
Players to Watch in Game 6 Matthew Tkachuk, LW, Panthers Tkachuk showcased his best performance of the Cup Final in Game 5, displaying versatility and leadership. His ability to influence both ends of the ice will be pivotal for Florida’s success in Game 6, where his performance could set the tone for the team’s efforts.
Connor McDavid, C, Oilers McDavid’s dominant showing in Game 5 solidified his status as a game-changer. His offensive prowess and playmaking ability continue to drive Edmonton’s success, making him the focal point for both teams in Game 6. His performance could be instrumental in shaping the outcome of the series.
Key Questions for Game 6 Can Florida Secure the Cup? Closing out a series, particularly in the Stanley Cup Final, demands composure and execution. Florida must assert control early and prevent Edmonton from dictating the tempo. Avoiding a Game 7 scenario is crucial, especially against a resurgent Oilers team led by McDavid.
Oilers’ Adaptability Against Panthers’ Forecheck Edmonton’s adjustments in Game 5 proved effective against Florida’s aggressive forecheck and defensive schemes. Sustaining this adaptability will be key to countering Bobrovsky’s goaltending and neutralizing the Panthers’ offensive threats.
In summary, Game 5 highlighted the intensity and strategic adjustments pivotal to playoff hockey. As both teams prepare for Game 6, expect heightened stakes and critical matchups that could shape the series’ ultimate outcome.