Florida is on the verge of securing back-to-back Stanley Cup victories after a 5-2 win over Edmonton in Game 5, pushing the Oilers to the brink of elimination. The Panthers displayed resilience and determination, bouncing back from a tough loss in Game 4 to take a 3-2 series lead.
Brad Marchand and Sam Bennett shined for the Panthers, making history with their goal-scoring prowess. The Oilers, led by Connor McDavid, faced an uphill battle but showed signs of life late in the game.
Panthers' Dominance in First Period
Florida once again asserted its dominance in the first period, outplaying the Oilers and taking a 2-0 lead into the second period. Marchand and Bennett showcased their scoring abilities, setting the tone for the game.
Struggles for Ekholm-Walman Duo
The Oilers' defensive pair of Ekholm and Walman faced challenges, with Ekholm having a tough period and Walman struggling to contain the Panthers' offense. Adjustments were made, but the duo faced an uphill battle throughout the game.
McDavid Breaks Through
McDavid finally found the back of the net in the series, scoring his first goal of the Stanley Cup Final. Despite his efforts, the Oilers couldn't overcome the Panthers' lead, but McDavid's goal injected some energy into the team.
Pickard's First Loss
Pickard, who had been unbeaten in the playoffs, suffered his first loss in Game 5. Despite a valiant effort, Pickard couldn't stop the Panthers' offense, raising questions about the Oilers' goaltending situation moving forward.
Panthers Shine on Penalty Kill
Florida's penalty kill unit stepped up in crucial moments, thwarting the Oilers' power play and maintaining their strong defensive presence. Bobrovsky and the Panthers' defense held firm, showcasing their resilience and determination.
Source: The New York Times