Game 5 in a best of 7 series is always pivotal as the winner will be just one win shy of taking the series. It forces the opponent to win 2 consecutive games, which can be a tough challenge in a competitive series.
So in this case, with the series tied at 2 games a piece, the Edmonton Oilers hosted the Florida Panthers on a Saturday night. Both teams dressed lineups similar to the last game, with the difference being the Oilers replacing their regular starting goaltender Stuart Skinner with back-up goalie Calvin Pickard. Pickard entered game 4 in relief of starter Skinner, who was pulled after the first period with the Oilers trailing 3-0.
This game started with much intensity. The crowd was in the game. Both teams were trading chances, knowing that the first goal is very important regarding momentum and strategy. A team does not want to chase the game from behind, possibly taking dangerous chances in an attempt to score that can backfire.
Florida was the first to score on a nice individual effort from Brad Marchand, who danced around a defenseman and beat Pickard high on the glove side with a nice wrist shot. Not long after Marchand’s goal, Sam Bennett scored to give the Panthers a 2-0 lead.
With Marchand’s goal in the first period, he became the first player in NHL history to score 5 goals in a Stanley Cup Final for two different teams.
The second period continued with an intense pace with scoring chances being exchanged without the puck crossing either teams goal line. Leon Draisaitl took a high sticking penalty with 20 seconds left in the period to set up a power play for Florida.
Florida had more offensive zone time after two periods with 17:54 while the Oilers had 12:54. Florida held a small advantage in shots taken with 13 to 11 for the Oilers.
Florida would begin the third period with 1:40 remaining in the powerplay. Not only was this a must kill situation for the Oilers, they would also need to find their offense, like they did in the last game. Florida has been playing a stingy brand of hockey, so it would be a tall task.
The third period began on a positive note for the Oilers as they killed off the Florida powerplay. However, the positivity for Edmonton was short lived. Brad Marchand put a goal mouth shot through the legs of Calvin Pickard with just less than 15 minutes left in the period to make it 3-0 for Florida.
Just when the lights seemed to be going out for the Oilers, Connor McDavid scored on a pass from Evan Bouchard on a beautiful effort to score and give them hope. The fans then awakened. Will this be a form of Ground Hog Day? Some form of Deja vu? Memories are fresh with thoughts of the amazing game 4 come-back.
Well, not to be. Florida’s Sam Reinhart scored shortly after McDavid’s goal with a shot from the slot. Half of the period still remained.
With just over 4 minutes remaining in the third period, Edmonton pulled their goalie in favour of 6 attackers as they needed 3 goals being down by a score of 4-1.
With 4:13 remaining on the clock, Oilers Corey Perry scored on a long screened shot from the point to make it 4-2. Can it be?
Oiler fans were again resuscitated with desperate hope. Boisterous. “Lets go Oilers” echoing in the arena.
Ouch! All hope was crushed when Panthers Eetu Luostarinen scored into the empty net on a long shot from deep in his own zone. 5-2 Florida and the game was over.
Florida’s Sergei Bobrovsky was once again stellar in net and should be in the conversation as Florida’s Play-Off MVP. Such a calm presence that can only boost the confidence of his fellow teammates. An elite talent playing in such a critical position. A difference maker.
Game 6 is scheduled for Tuesday night back in Florida. Florida will be trying to win the Stanley Cup at home in front of their fans and avoid a game 7. Edmonton should be all in and leave nothing on the ice, as a loss will end the season in a repeat of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final.
Keep your stick on the ice and stay safe.
Greetings. In introducing myself, I must relate that family is most important. I am a husband, father and grandfather. Beautiful extended family. I was born in the 60’s. Graduated from Laurentian University in Sudbury in 1985 with a degree in Social Work. Recently retired.
Sports has been and continues to be my foremost outlet for stress. I have been a coach/ trainer on over 40 youth teams, including hockey, baseball and soccer. Hockey is my number one sport. Began playing as a young child and continue to play several times per week. Huge Fan. I am not an expert per say when it comes to having close contacts to the hockey world. Still have expertise as a Fan. I have probably earned some form of “Hockey PTSD” over the years with the highs and lows of the cheering for the Leafs. I want to respectfully share my opinion and respectfully view your opinions. Should be fun. Keep your stick on the ice.
Take Care and Stay Safe.