Oilers Look to Keep Stanley Cup Final Hopes Alive Against Panthers in Game 5
ICARO Media Group
In a crucial Game 5 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, the Edmonton Oilers are set to face off against the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night. After a dominant 8-1 victory in Game 4, the Oilers are determined to extend the series and make history by overcoming a 0-3 deficit.
The Oilers, appearing in the championship round since 2006, faced a daunting task as they lost the first three games of the series. However, they managed to stay alive and avoid elimination with an impressive offensive display. Their resilience has set them on a path to become just the fifth team in NHL playoff history to bounce back from an 0-3 deficit in the Stanley Cup Final.
On the other hand, the Panthers are aiming to capture their first championship since joining the league in 1993-94. They had a strong start to the series, winning the first three games after dominating their previous four series in which they took a 3-0 lead.
The Amerant Bank Arena will host the crucial matchup, set to begin at 8 p.m. ET. According to the latest odds from SportsLine consensus, the Panthers are the favorites with a -161 money line, while the over/under for total goals scored is set at 5.5.
Both teams have displayed impressive performances throughout the playoffs. Florida's home record has been exceptional, allowing fewer than three goals in nine of their 11 home playoff games. Meanwhile, the Oilers have thrived when facing elimination, recording a perfect 3-0 record in such situations.
For the Panthers, the duo of Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Reinhart has been vital to their offensive success, with Verhaeghe topping the team's scoring charts with 10 goals and Reinhart close behind with nine goals. However, they will need to step up in the Stanley Cup Final.
The Oilers have been guided by their superstar forward Connor McDavid, who leads all players in the playoffs with an impressive 38 points. McDavid's recent performances have been outstanding, and he is on the verge of joining the elite group of players who have recorded at least 40 points in a single postseason.
Defense has also played a significant role for the Oilers, with their defense corps leading the league in goals this postseason. Players like Mattias Ekholm, Philip Broberg, and Darnell Nurse have contributed crucial goals to the team's success.
SportsLine's Projection Model, which has been on an impressive run with top-rated puck-line picks, has made its predictions for this crucial Game 5 match-up. The model is leaning towards the Under on the total goals scored and has identified one side of the money line as having a valuable betting opportunity.
With everything on the line, both the Panthers and the Oilers will leave no stone unturned in their quest for victory. As the game approaches, anticipation is building, and fans around the world eagerly await to see who will emerge victorious in this pivotal Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final.