Marchand, Panthers top Oilers in Game 5 of Stanley Cup Final
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There were no blown leads this time as the Florida Panthers down the Edmonton Oilers 5-2 behind Brad Marchand and a defensive gem.
NHL records set, coaches fired, even buckets of fried chicken: past repeat finals clashes offer some memorable moments.
With a chance to become the ninth different franchise to repeat as Stanley Cup champions, the Panthers know a strong start will be key again in Game 6 on Tuesday. Welcoming the Oilers back to Amerant Bank Arena – the site of Florida’s Cup-clinching win over Edmonton in Game 7 just a year ago – both players and the home crowd will be ready.
The Panthers, meanwhile, have no such issue. Bobrovsky is their guy. He has been ever since regaining the starting job midway through the first round of the 2023 playoffs, their first of three consecutive runs to the Stanley Cup Final. He is as steady as they come, and his performance has shown for it.
Panthers forward Sam Bennett spoke on his team's success in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Oilers.
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The first three rounds of the Stanley Cup Playoffs were proof that this Edmonton Oilers team isn’t the same as the previous ones that struggled in the playoffs.
BOTTOM LINE: The Florida Panthers host the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup Final with a 3-2 lead in the series. The teams meet Saturday for the eighth time this season. The Panthers won the last meeting 5-2. Brad Marchand scored two goals in the victory.
The performance of Pickard throughout the playoffs has given them a clear advantage over the Panthers. Here’s why – he makes big saves in big moments. Looking at just save percentage, Pickard has been elite in the playoffs. He has the second-best save percentage in the third period (.915) and the best when his team is trailing (.921).