The Florida Panthers are on the brink of winning the NHL championship for the second year in a row following a convincing 5-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final. The game took place at Rogers Place in Edmonton and marked a significant rebound for the Panthers after a disappointing loss in the previous match.

Florida's success in Game 5 was largely attributed to the outstanding performance of Brad Marchand, a 37-year-old player acquired at the trade deadline. Marchand scored two goals in the game, bringing his total to six goals in the finals so far. His contributions have been instrumental in the Panthers' quest for consecutive championships.

Heading into Game 5 with the series tied at 2-2, the win gives the Panthers a crucial advantage. Historical data shows that teams winning the fifth game of a tied Stanley Cup Final have a 73% chance of ultimately winning the championship, according to the NHL.

The game saw the Panthers take an early lead in the first period, with Marchand scoring the opening goal midway through. Sam Bennett extended the lead to 2-0 just before the first intermission with his fifth goal of the finals. Bennett currently leads all players with 15 goals in the 2025 postseason.

After a scoreless second period, Marchand continued his stellar performance in the third period, scoring another goal to put the Panthers up 3-0. His remarkable play has solidified his place among NHL greats, achieving a feat not seen since Mario Lemieux.

Edmonton managed to get on the scoreboard with a goal from Connor McDavid, but Florida quickly responded with another goal from Sam Reinhart. The Panthers maintained their lead throughout the game, eventually securing a 5-2 victory with an empty net goal from Eetu Luostarinen.

With the series now heading back to South Florida for Game 6, the Panthers have the opportunity to make history by lifting the Stanley Cup in back-to-back seasons. Edmonton faces a tough challenge in containing Marchand and Bennett, who have been a formidable duo throughout the finals.

Game 6 is set to take place at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida, where the Panthers will aim to close out the series and secure another championship title.