Panthers close in on 2nd straight Stanley Cup title by beating the Oilers 5-2 in Game 5
Share and Follow


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

The Panthers improved to 10-3 on the road this playoffs. They can hoist the Cup again as soon as Tuesday night if they win Game 6 on home ice in Sunrise.

Florida this time built a multigoal lead and built on it, unlike a couple of previous games in the final. Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 19 of the 21 shots he faced, making some important saves when needed, and was aided by lockdown defense that took ice away from the Oilers.

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 and Follow
You May Also Like
Suspect is seen fleeing Brown University after rampage left two dead

Suspect Flees Brown University Following Tragic Incident Resulting in Two Fatalities

A gunman wearing a mask caused panic at Brown University on Saturday…
Major win for ultra-conservative gives Chile its most right-wing president in decades

Ultra-Conservative Triumph: Chile Elects Its Most Right-Wing President in Decades

SANTIAGO, Chile — In a remarkable turn of events, José Antonio Kast,…
Gisele Bundchen, 45, goes jet skiing with Joaquim Valente in Miami Bay

Gisele Bundchen, 45, Enjoys Jet Skiing Adventure with Joaquim Valente in Miami Bay

Gisele Bundchen flaunted her toned physique while jet skiing with her partner,…
People gather on Washington Street in front of Manhattan Bridge during a snowfall, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in the Brooklyn Borough of New York. (AP Photo/Adam Gray)

Winter Weather Alert: Northeast Blanketed by Heavy Snow While Pacific Northwest Prepares for Intense Rainfall

Over the weekend, a powerful storm swept across the Midwest, causing temperatures…
After Australia’s Hanukkah massacre, critics say appeasing extremists after Oct 7 fueled rising antisemitism

In the Wake of Australia’s Hanukkah Tragedy, Experts Warn that Post-October 7 Extremist Appeasement Has Escalated Antisemitism

On Sunday, a tragic terrorist attack shook Sydney as Australian Jews gathered…
Republicans pitch second, smaller partisan bill to address affordability

GOP Unveils New Bill Aimed at Tackling Affordability Challenges

As the midterm elections draw near, some Republicans are contemplating a new…
Redemption for Raines: Vikings defeat Miami Northwestern Bulls in state championship rematch

Vikings Triumph Over Miami Northwestern Bulls in Thrilling State Championship Rematch

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Raines Vikings have once again claimed the state…
Witnesses reveal CIVILIANS had to step in for COPS during Bondi attack

Civilians Step Up as First Responders Amid Police Absence During Shocking Bondi Attack

A serene summer day at Bondi Beach, bustling with visitors, tragically transformed…