In Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final, the Florida Panthers achieved a decisive 5-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers, putting them within reach of their second consecutive championship. Brad Marchand scored twice, while Sam Bennett netted his NHL playoff-leading 15th goal. The Panthers now boast a strong 10-3 record on the road during these playoffs and can claim the Cup as soon as Tuesday night if they win Game 6 in Sunrise.
Florida established an early lead, building on their advantage rather than succumbing to pressure, unlike prior games in the series. Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky was instrumental, stopping 19 of 21 shots and supported by a formidable defense that restricted the Oilers’ offensive opportunities. Marchand’s performance marked him as one of the few players to score five or more goals in a Stanley Cup Final multiple times and solidified his status as the active player with the most goals in the final.
Although Connor McDavid finally scored for Edmonton, reducing the deficit to 3-1, Sam Reinhart quickly responded to restore the Panthers’ three-goal lead. Corey Perry added a late goal for the Oilers, but an empty-netter from Eetu Luostarinen sealed the game, quieting the once-enthusiastic crowd.
The Oilers struggled on the power play, going 0 for 3 due to Florida’s aggressive penalty killing. Goalie Calvin Pickard, who had previously won eight straight starts, faced his first loss of the postseason after allowing four goals on 18 shots. With Stuart Skinner possibly returning for Game 6, the Panthers look to capitalize on their depth and push the Oilers to the brink once again.
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