The Florida Panthers are one win away from another championship after Saturday’s 5-2 win over the Edmonton Oilers to take a 3-2 series lead. Here are some key takeaways from their Game 5 win.
This was a clinical performance by the Panthers
Everything about this game was the Panthers at their absolute best, and why they have been in three straight Stanley Cup Finals with a chance to win a second.
There was more clutch scoring from Sam Bennett.
There was great goaltending from Sergei Bobrovsky when needed.
And there was absolute clinical defensive play to completely shut down one of the highest-powered offenses in the league. It was smothering, championship-caliber defense and play. There was not a team in the NHL that was beating Florida on this night.
Legacies are on the line in Game 6
For both teams.
When it comes to the Panthers, this is a chance for history. It’s a chance to join the rare ranks of back-to-back champions and cement themselves as the best team of the 2020s.
But there’s something bigger on the line for Edmonton. Specifically, the superstar duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
They have all of the individual honors and stat lines that any player could ever want. They are two of the best, most productive players of their era. But the one thing they are still lacking is their names on the Stanley Cup. Fair or not, this era of sports is defined by rings and championships and for players to take their place among the all-time greats, at least one championship seems to be a must.
McDavid and Draisaitl have been in the NHL for a decade and are still searching for a championship. If they go out without much of a fight in Game 6, it is only going to add to the pressure on them.
Florida’s “rats” keep shining
And by rats, we mean their agitators of Brad Marchant and Bennett.
While they are known for their physical and frustrating style of play, they also keep establishing themselves as big-time clutch players. Bennett scored another goal on Saturday, while Marchand added two more to add to his Stanley Cup Final legacy.
It’s going to be perfect timing for them as both are set to be unrestricted free agents this summer.
These types of performances stick with general managers, and with the salary cap set to rise this summer, both players are sure to cash in.
Especially if they are key components to another championship.