Panthers close in on 2nd straight Stanley Cup title by beating the Oilers 5-2 in Game 5
Share this @internewscast.com

EDMONTON, Alberta — Brad Marchand scored twice, Sam Bennett secured his NHL playoff-leading 15th goal, and the Florida Panthers edged closer to claiming a second consecutive Stanley Cup title by defeating the Edmonton Oilers 5-2 in Game 5 on Saturday night.

The Panthers improved their playoff road record to 10-3. They have the opportunity to lift the Cup again as early as Tuesday night if they secure a victory in Game 6 at home in Sunrise.

This time, Florida established and maintained a multigoal lead, unlike in a few previous games in the finals. Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 19 of 21 shots, making crucial saves at key moments, and benefited from a solid defense that effectively restricted the Oilers’ advances.

Marchand, Bennett and Sam Reinhart provided the offense. Marchand joined Mario Lemieux as the only players in the past half-century to score five-plus goals in a final multiple times, and his 13 career goals in the final are the most among active players.

Connor McDavid scored his first goal of the series after the Oilers fell behind 3-0. Reinhart’s came 46 seconds later to restore the Panthers’ three-goal lead, and by the time Corey Perry scored with 3:13 left, it was too late.

Eetu Luostarinen sealed it with an empty-netter with 1:19 left, silencing the once fired-up crowd for a final time.

Edmonton’s power play went 0 for 3, a product of the Panthers’ aggressive penalty kill knocking McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and the rest of the top unit out of their usual rhythm.

Calvin Pickard lost for the first time in eight starts this spring, allowing four goals on 18 shots. He got the nod over Stuart Skinner after entering in relief and winning Game 4 to improve to 7-0, a record that is now 7-1.

Skinner could be back in for Game 6, with the Panthers aiming to close things out following another cross-continental trip back to the other corner of North America. They are in this spot after bouncing back from blowing a three-goal lead and falling in overtime in Game 4, taking advantage of their depth to send the Oilers to the brink again.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Join the Junior League of Johnson City for Their Annual Food Drive at Food City

On a bustling Saturday, the Tri-Cities area witnessed a heartwarming act of…

Join the Buzz: Discover Why the 13th Annual Thirsty Orange Festival Attracted Thousands!

The 13th annual Thirsty Orange Festival drew thousands of visitors to Founders…

Hong Kong Fire Survivors Face Emotional Return to Devastated Homes

HONG KONG – With a heavy heart, Keung Mak is preparing to…

Buenos Aires Rave: Padre Guilherme Throws Vibrant Celebration in Memory of Pope Francis

BUENOS AIRES – Buenos Aires recently witnessed a remarkable gathering, not of…

Meet the Star Behind Eddie Munster: Exclusive Event in Elizabethton

ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. (WJHL) – The charm of classic television drew a substantial…

Tragic Louisiana Incident Claims Lives of Eight Young Children, Police Report

In a tragic series of events, authorities have reported the deaths of…

Businesses Eligible for Trump Tariff Refunds as Unconstitutionality Ruling Takes Effect Monday

NEW YORK – On Monday, the long-awaited refund system for businesses affected…

Iran Intensifies Threats to Close Strategic Strait of Hormuz as Ceasefire Nears End

CAIRO – In a bold move, Iran has reiterated its intention to…

Wave of Resignations and Dismissals Challenges FBI and Justice Department, Prompting Urgent Rebuilding Efforts

WASHINGTON – In response to a significant loss of staff over the…