EDMONTON, ALBERTA — The Florida Panthers are now just one win away from claiming their second consecutive Stanley Cup title, riding the offensive spark of Brad Marchand and Sam Bennett to a 5–2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 5 on Saturday night.
With the win, Florida grabs a 3–2 series lead and heads back home to Sunrise with a chance to clinch the championship on Tuesday in front of their fans.
🐾 Marchand Delivers, Bennett Stays Hot
Veteran forward Brad Marchand, who was acquired in a high-profile move last offseason, proved why the Panthers made the investment, notching two critical goals in a statement performance. The longtime playoff antagonist provided both energy and execution, fueling a Florida offense that looked dangerous from the opening puck drop.
Meanwhile, Sam Bennett continued his torrid postseason run, tallying his 15th goal of the playoffs, extending his lead atop the NHL’s playoff scoring charts. His consistent ability to find the net has become a defining trait of Florida’s back-to-back Cup pushes.
📈 Historic Road Form
Saturday’s win marked Florida’s 10th road victory of the playoffs, tying the NHL single-postseason record for wins away from home. The Panthers are now 10-3 on the road this postseason, thriving in hostile environments and silencing crowds with surgical execution.
🧊 Oilers on the Ropes
The Oilers, despite a passionate home crowd and flashes of offensive pressure, couldn’t keep pace with Florida’s depth and physical play. Edmonton’s defensive lapses and inability to contain Florida’s forecheck cost them crucial momentum throughout the night.
Goaltender Stuart Skinner faced another tough assignment and struggled to hold back a relentless Panthers attack. The Oilers now face elimination and must find answers quickly to extend the series.
🏆 One Win Away
The Panthers will have the opportunity to hoist the Cup for the second straight season on Tuesday night in Game 6 at Amerant Bank Arena. Should they close out the series, they will become the NHL’s first back-to-back champions since the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021.
“We’re right where we want to be,” Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said postgame. “But nothing’s done yet. The next one’s the hardest to win.”
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