Stanley Cup Final: Panthers-Oilers Game 5 grades, takeaways

Game 5s in a best-of-seven series often serve a crucial purpose: either solidifying a commanding lead to potentially end the series swiftly or reminding the trailing team that they are just one victory away from reaching their goal. For the Florida Panthers, their 5-2 win over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 5 means they are now within a single win of securing back-to-back Stanley Cups.

However, predicting the Oilers to bounce back and win Game 6 to force a decisive Game 7 back in Edmonton wouldn`t be surprising, given their history of overcoming elimination scenarios. Regardless of the outcome, Game 5 presented a significant opportunity for both teams to seize momentum in the final series of the season. Ultimately, the Panthers achieved their 10th road win this postseason, a feat that ties an NHL playoff record.

Given the high stakes of this game and the series, a detailed analysis is warranted. Let`s examine the key factors that influenced Game 5 for both the Oilers and Panthers, identify players who could make an impact in a potential Game 6, and explore the questions hanging over the series.

These questions primarily revolve around the Panthers` attempt to clinch the series and the Oilers` potential to replicate last year`s comeback effort and force a second consecutive Game 7 in the Stanley Cup Final.

Florida Panthers

Grade: B+

The Panthers executed their strategy effectively in Game 5:

• They maintained control of the puck for significant periods.
• They remained composed and in control even when the Oilers had possession.
• They capitalized on their power play chances while effectively shutting down the Oilers` opportunities when shorthanded.
• They limited the Oilers to just three high-danger scoring chances, a remarkable achievement considering Edmonton ranked second in this category per 60 minutes entering Game 5.

Establishing a two-goal lead for Sergei Bobrovsky early in the first period allowed the elite goaltender to make necessary saves without facing an onslaught of shots or high-danger opportunities. Even when Connor McDavid and Corey Perry scored for Edmonton to narrow the gap, the Panthers consistently made it difficult for the Oilers to generate quality scoring chances in prime areas. Despite a late push from Edmonton in the third period, the Panthers successfully defended their lead.

Winning 10 games away from their home rink in Sunrise is a major reason the Panthers are on the verge of another Stanley Cup. While they`ve showcased various road performances, from high-scoring games to shutouts, this Game 5 victory stands out as one of their most crucial away wins this postseason.

Edmonton Oilers

Grade: B-

Frustratingly for the Oilers, Game 5 began with them allowing multiple goals in a period while failing to score themselves – a recurring issue for a defensive structure that performed strongly against top offensive teams in the Western Conference. Against the Panthers, this marks the seventh period in the series where the Oilers have surrendered more than two goals.

While allowing multi-goal periods has been frequent, so have the Oilers` comeback attempts. However, their main challenge in Game 5 was finding overall cohesion. They had opportunities, including three power plays in the first two periods, but managed only four shots and failed to score. By the start of the third period, they had only two high-danger chances and a low shot share (37.8%), with just 11 total shots.

McDavid`s first goal of the Cup Final, followed by Perry`s tally, brought the Oilers within two goals on separate occasions. Being that close late in the game, combined with their history of rallies, made another comeback seem possible. However, Eetu Luostarinen`s empty-net goal sealed the Panthers` win.

Ultimately, being in a position to potentially tie the game late brings the focus back to the start: how different would Game 5 have been if the Oilers hadn`t allowed another multi-goal period early on?

Game 5 Standouts

Brad Marchand, LW, Panthers

Marchand delivered another excellent performance, scoring two goals, including a critical effort to put the Panthers up 3-0. His sixth goal of the Final ties a record for most goals in a single Final since 1988. His line with Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen has been incredibly effective, scoring 13 goals at 5-on-5 this postseason.

Sam Bennett, C, Panthers

Bennett continued his strong road scoring form with his 15th goal of the postseason, 13 of which have come away from home. He joined an exclusive list of players with a six-game road goal streak in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Sam Reinhart, RW, Panthers

His third-period goal, his seventh of the postseason, extended the Panthers` lead to 4-1. This goal was the Panthers` 60th road goal this postseason, significantly surpassing the previous NHL playoff record of 49.

Players to Watch in Game 6

Brad Marchand, LW, Panthers

Marchand`s Game 5 performance reinforced his value and strengthened his case for the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. His 10 goals and 20 points this postseason are crucial to the Panthers` success. His future is also a storyline; as an unrestricted free agent, his pivotal role in a potential Cup win will present a challenging decision for the Panthers` front office this offseason.

Connor McDavid, C, Oilers

With his first goal of the Final now scored, the question is whether Game 5 was the start of a dominant scoring surge from the world`s best player in what could be his team`s final game. Recalling his exceptional multi-point performances in Games 4 and 5 of last year`s Final provides a precedent. While the Oilers have benefited from scoring depth this postseason, their dynamic duo of McDavid and Leon Draisaitl can take over any game. Will the depth players contribute enough, or will it require another signature performance from McDavid and Draisaitl to extend the series?

Big Questions for Game 6

Can the Oilers replicate last year`s feat and force a Game 7?

Much discussion centers on the Oilers` resilience and their near-comeback from a 3-0 deficit last year. To force a Game 7, they must improve their defensive consistency to prevent the Panthers from having early multi-goal periods, while simultaneously generating significantly more offense than they did in Game 5. This is the central challenge for the Oilers facing elimination.

Will the Panthers successfully close out the series on their first attempt?

The Panthers are keenly aware of how dangerous the Oilers can be when facing elimination, having experienced this against them last year. Throughout these playoffs, the Panthers` opponents have found ways to extend series, such as Toronto forcing a Game 7 in the second round and Carolina winning Game 4 after losing three straight in the Eastern Conference Final. While the Panthers ultimately won both series, it adds intrigue to whether they can clinch the Cup on home ice in Game 6 or be pushed back to Edmonton for a deciding game.