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The NHL Stanley Cup Final continues with the series tied tight at 2-2. A win tonight for either side puts them ahead at match point, so this Game 5 will be as crucial as ever.
Catch Game 5 of the Panthers vs Oilers hitting the ice at 8 PM ET sharp, but only after reviewing our picks and deciding whether you want to back or ignore!
The Panthers made a strong start to the series in Game with a close 4-3 OT victory, and they even managed to put up a convincing fight in Game 2, despite falling to a last-minute goal in double OT to lose 5-4. By the end of regulation in Game 3, the Panthers not only led the series 2-1 after a crushing 6-1 win but managed to put 14 goals past the Oilers over just three games. It was beginning to look like a finishing sweep for Florida, who went on to lead Game 4 by 3-0 into the 2nd period, only for the Oilers to mount an impressive comeback to steal the win in OT 5-4 once again.
The Panthers Sam Bennet continues to lead the postseason scoring with 14 goals (to go with 7 assists) and will likely add to his tally with another 1+ goals tonight, while Matthew Tkachuk matches his teammates’ points with 7 goals and 14 assists.
The Panthers centers on each line continue to perform immaculately, with Carter Verhaeghe (7 goals and 13 assists), Aleksander Barkove (6 goals and 13 assists), Brad Marchand (8 goals and 10 assists), Sam Reinhart (6 goals and 12 assists), Eetu Luostarinen (4 goals and 12 assists), Anton Lundell (6 goals and 10 assists) and Evan Rodrigues (2 goals and 13 assists) all contributing to the cause with over 15+ points each in the playoffs.
Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky continues to hold the best winning record in the NHL postseason (14-7) with the most games played, only allowing in 2.27 goals per contest. If this trend continues, the Panthers will succeed in Game 5.
The Oilers will be fired up heading into this one after a vital comeback to take Game 4 and tie the series 2-2. Game 4 on June 12 looked grim for Edmonton, down by a three-goal deficit just in the first period, but they scored 3 unanswered to match Florida in the 2nd. With a goal for each side in the 3rd period, the Oilers went on to net a crucial game-winner in OT to tie the series 2-2.
Three main Oilers players continue to dominate the postseason scoring, including Leon Draisaitl (11 goals and 21 assists), Connor McDavid (6 goals and 26 assists) and Evan Bouchard (7 goals and 15 assists). Draisaitl not only scored the game-winner in Game 4 against the Panthers but leads the playoff point scoring with 32 points, along with teammate McDavid, whom I fully expect to dish out another 1+ assists tonight. Bringing up the rear in points is Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, boasting 6 goals and 14 assists in his playoff campaign. Along with Corey Perry (9 goals and 4 assists) and Evander Kane (6 goals and 6 assists), the Oilers showcase solid goal-scoring ability, much like their Florida counterparts.
Depending on whether goalkeeper Calvin Pickard (7-0, 2.69 goals allowed per game) or Stuart Skinner (7-6, 2.99 goals allowed per game) takes the ice tonight, the Oilers will need to keep as many pucks out of the net as possible to maintain a comfortable lead in this one.
The Panthers are certainly hurting after giving up a three-goal lead in the last game but now they head to Oilers territory at Rogers Place Arena. With so much offensive firepower on both sides, it’s anyone’s guess as to who takes the 3-2 series lead.
With all things considered, the Panthers Sam Bennet will likely continue his rampant goal-scoring run with another 1+ to add to his tally tonight. Unless Edmonton’s Connor McDavid can pull the strings for another 1+ assists for teammates like he did last game, to give the Oilers some hope, the Panthers unstoppable offense and top goalkeeper Sergei Bobrovsky may find the fire for another series lead after tonight.
Liam has been a major sports fan and soccer player for over a decade, with a particular focus on major top-level soccer leagues, including the EPL, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga and MLS. He has written numerous promotional articles for various top sportsbooks and continues to publish historical and factual sports articles covering the NFL, MLS, NHL, MLB, EPL and more.