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

Machete Intruder’s Shocking Motive: Why He Chose Prison Over Freedom

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) – A dramatic arrest unfolded in Fort Wayne…

Key Milestones in Madagascar’s Military Coup: A Comprehensive Timeline

ANTANANARIVO – In a dramatic turn of events, Madagascar has witnessed a…

Revolutionary Mental Health Support: Champaign Co. Courthouse Introduces Free Therapy for Jurors

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Receiving a jury duty summons in the mail…

Senator Vance Responds to Young Republicans’ Chat: ‘Typical Youthful Behavior

Vice President Vance addressed the recent controversy surrounding the Young Republicans group…

Shocking Incident in Kingsport: Man Arrested Following Alleged Stabbing – Full Story Inside

SULLIVAN COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Authorities arrested a man on Wednesday following…

Trump Responds to Bolton Indictment: Unveiling Tensions in Political Arena

Internet Explorer 11 is no longer supported on our website. To ensure…

Former President Obama Backs Abigail Spanberger in Virginia Governor Race

In a significant political development, former President Barack Obama has thrown his…

Weekend Weather: Expect Crisp Nights and Sunny, Warm Afternoons with Storm Team 3

SAVANNAH, Ga. — On Thursday afternoon, Savannah basked under sunny skies with…

Trump Confirms Authorization of Covert CIA Operations in Venezuela, Sparking International Debate

In an era where digital interfaces demand seamless performance, it’s important to…

Mount Carmel Honors Officer Mark Lindsey: Celebrating His Legacy as a Devoted Family Man

The community of Mount Carmel, Tennessee, came together at city hall on…

Mahomet’s New Police Chief Unveils Vision for Staffing, Tech Upgrades, and Mental Health Initiatives

MAHOMET, Ill. (WCIA) — Dave Smysor has been officially introduced as Mahomet’s…

Early Morning Dispute in Tampa Ends in Gunfire, Police Report

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — An altercation in Tampa on Thursday morning escalated…