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Panthers vs Oilers: Panthers beat Oilers 5-2 in Game 5, inch closer to 2nd successive Stanley Cup title
Reuters The Florida Panthers' remarkable road record in these playoffs improved to 10-3. They now have the opportunity to secure the Stanley Cup at home in Sunrise during Game 6 on Tuesday night. (Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images)
Brad Marchand netted two goals, while Sam Bennett recorded his 15th goal of the playoffs, leading the Florida Panthers to a 5-2 victory against the Edmonton Oilers in Game 5 on Saturday night in Edmonton, bringing them closer to their second consecutive Stanley Cup Panthers' remarkable road record in these playoffs improved to 10-3. They now have the opportunity to secure the Cup at home in Sunrise during Game 6 on Tuesday night.
Unlike previous matches in the final, Panthers established and maintained a substantial lead. Sergei Bobrovsky demonstrated solid performance, saving 19 of 21 shots, supported by effective defensive play that restricted the Oilers' movement.
The offensive contributions came from Marchand, Bennett and Sam Reinhart. Marchand achieved a notable milestone, joining Mario Lemieux as the only players in 50 years to score five-plus goals in multiple finals, while accumulating 13 career final goals, the highest among current players.
Connor McDavid scored his first goal of the series after the Oilers fell 3-0 behind. Reinhart responded 46 seconds afterwards, restoring Panthers' three-goal advantage. Corey Perry's goal with 3:13 remaining proved Luostarinen confirmed the victory with an empty-net goal at 1:19, quietening the home Oilers' power play was unsuccessful in three attempts, as Panthers' aggressive penalty kill disrupted McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and their primary unit's usual effectiveness.
Calvin Pickard experienced his first defeat in eight starts this spring, conceding four goals from 18 shots. He replaced Stuart Skinner after winning Game 4 as a substitute, moving his record to 7-1 from 7-0.
