The Edmonton Oilers Have “Dragged the Panthers Back to Alberta”

Halfway There!

The Edmonton Oilers pulled off a 5-3 victory over the Florida Panthers in a thrilling Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final in Sunrise, Florida. The Oilers took an early 3-0 lead in the first period with goals by Connor Brown, Zach Hyman, and Connor McDavid. Although the Panthers managed to narrow the gap to 3-1 with a goal from Matthew Tkachuk, McDavid set up Corey Perry for another Oilers goal after he completely undressed two Florida defensemen. Despite two unanswered goals from Florida, Edmonton sealed the win with an empty-net goal from McDavid in the third period. The series will head back to Alberta for Game 6, scheduled for Friday night at 6:00 PM MTN. If the Oilers can replicate their form, they have a chance to force a Game 7 in Florida. Expect an electric atmosphere at Rogers Place for Game 6, in what will basically be a holiday in Edmonton on Friday.

“It was a total team effort top to bottom,” said Captain Connor McDavid in the Post-Game presser following Tuesday’s Game 5 win:

Skinner Stands Tall

In Game 5 on Tuesday night, Stuart Skinner made an impressive 32 saves out of 35 shots. Here are the stats for him and the Oilers in Games 4-7 during the playoffs so far.

Keep Winning the Special Teams Battle

Edmonton has been dominant in the special teams battle during Games 4 and 5, scoring 3 power-play goals and 2 shorthanded goals in the last 2 games. Their penalty kill has been the most impressive aspect of their game in these playoffs, in my opinion. This playoff journey has been an exciting one with this team, and it’s not just about McDavid and Draisaitl, especially on the penalty kill units. Many 3rd and 4th line players have been contributing on the penalty kill, effectively shutting down the Panthers’ potent power-play in this series.

Can McDavid Break Gretzky’s Record?

Connor McDavid has already broken Gretzky’s single playoff season assists record. Can he now break the point record? I think it is very possible, given that this series could very well head to Game 7. However, I’m sure McDavid has other plans than breaking the record.

Florida’s GM Throws Water Bottle

Bouchard Makes History

Evan Bouchard has broken his assistant coach Paul Coffey’s NHL record for the most assists by a defenseman in a single playoff season. He has achieved 26 assists these playoffs and the count is still ongoing.