Florida Panthers are on the cusp of securing their second consecutive Stanley Cup title after a decisive 5-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final. This win places the Panthers within one game of completing a remarkable repeat, showcasing their prowess and determination throughout the series . The performance was highlighted by standout contributions from players such as Brad Marchand, who netted two goals, and Sam Bennett, who achieved his NHL playoff-leading 15th goal .
Stanley Cup Final since 1988, helping the Panthers to a 5-2 win against the Edmonton Oilers in Game 5 at Rogers Place on Saturday.
"I've said it a ton of times, we're just enjoying the moment," Marchand said. "It's a special time, special memories that we're going to have forever. I'm not really nervous, just excited."
Sam Reinhart and Eetu Luostarinen, into the empty net, had the other goals for the defending champs. Sergei Bobrovsky made 19 saves. Luostarinen added an assist for a two-point night.
Bennett and Marchand are the first players since 1981 with at least five goals each in the same final, and the first teammates to do so since 1973. Marchand is also the first player to score six goals in a final since 1988.
The Panthers play a perfect road game to take a 3-2 lead in the Stanley Cup Final. Brad Marchand (two goals) was key on offense, but the Panthers also were solid on defense, holding Edmonton to 21 shots.
McDavid gave the home side some life at 7:24 with a shake-and-back move on Bobrovsky for his seventh — and first of the series — but Reinhart put things to bed 46 seconds later when he snapped home his seventh.
Perry scored a consolation goal with 3:13 left in regulation and Pickard on the bench for an extra attacker in an Edmonton push that came far too late before Luostarinen iced it into the empty net.
Panthers now lead the series 3-2 and have an opportunity to clinch the championship on home ice in Game 6. Historically, teams that take a 3-2 lead in the Stanley Cup Final have a favorable outlook for success . The ability of Florida's players to perform under pressure will be crucial as they aim to maintain momentum against a formidable Oilers squad determined to equalize before facing elimination.
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