Edmonton Oilers Aim for Better Start in Crucial Game 5 Against Florida Panthers
The Edmonton Oilers are looking to turn their fortunes around in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers, according to a report by Sportsnet. The team has struggled with slow starts, particularly in Games 3 and 4, where they gave their opponents a significant advantage.
Discipline and Penalty Issues
One of the main concerns for the Oilers has been their discipline, with Evander Kane taking three penalties, including two high-sticking calls, in the first period of Games 3 and 4. Kane remained tight-lipped about the incidents, saying, "I’m just not going to talk about it. Just get ready for Game 5 and see what happens out there. But, yeah, you want to play as hard as you possibly can." Captain Connor McDavid echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need for a better start, stating, "We can’t be chasing games like we have been all series long, really. So I would expect a good start tonight."
Series Scoring and Player Performance
McDavid, who has six assists in the series, tying him for second in scoring behind teammate Leon Draisaitl’s seven points, is still searching for his first Stanley Cup Final goal. The two players are leading the NHL’s playoff scoring race, with 10 points clear of the third-ranked player, Dallas’ Mikko Rantanen. As per Sportsnet, McDavid’s performance has been impressive, with 32 points in the playoffs so far.
Florida Panthers’ Resilience
The Panthers, who have been an impressive 31-0 under coach Paul Maurice when holding a lead after the first or second period, will look to capitalize on their momentum. However, the Oilers have already shown their resilience, coming back from deficits in two games. Gustav Forsling of the Panthers noted, "Your heart rate goes up and down, and you think it’s over and then it’s not. It’s a lot of fun for playoffs, and I think for the fans, too."
Lineup Changes and Goalie Switch
The Oilers have made some changes to their lineup, with Kasperi Kapanen coming out and Viktor Arvidsson taking his place. Arvidsson has played in 14 of the Oilers’ 20 playoff games, contributing 2-5-7. The team has also switched goalies, with Calvin Pickard set to start in Game 5. Pickard, who has been a battler throughout his career, said, "I’ve been doing it all year. I talk on game (days), always have throughout my career. And this is a game day. The magnitude of the game’s big, but I feel just like I would in November or December."
Panthers’ Lineup and Strategy
The Panthers, on the other hand, have remained consistent with their personnel, with no changes to their lineup. Coach Paul Maurice said, "No. None. We’re healthy." The team’s strategy will likely focus on maintaining their lead and capitalizing on their scoring opportunities.
Game 5 Preview
Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final promises to be an intense and closely contested match. With both teams evenly matched and determined to emerge victorious, fans can expect a thrilling encounter. As noted by Sportsnet, the Oilers and Panthers have provided must-watch hockey thus far, with the series tied at 2-2.
Additional Insights and Statistics
Some interesting statistics and insights from the series include:
- The 2025 Stanley Cup Final has seen more than three overtime games, with only one NHL championship having more than three.
- The Oilers’ comeback win in Game 4 was their fourth multi-goal comeback win of the playoffs, one shy of the NHL record held by the 1987 Flyers.
- The cheapest verified ticket to enter Rogers Place for Game 5 was $1,394.32, while the most expensive ticket was $13,456.
- The Panthers can match the NHL record for road wins in one playoff year, and already own the NHL record for most road goals in one postseason (56).
