Panthers Take Game 5, Lead Stanley Cup Final 3-2 Over Oilers

EDMONTON, Alberta — The Florida Panthers defeated the Edmonton Oilers 5-2 in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final on Saturday. With this victory, the Panthers now lead the best-of-seven series three games to two.

Panthers left wing Brad Marchand scored two goals in the game, demonstrating his pivotal role in the series. Marchand opened the scoring just 56 seconds into the first period, taking advantage of a loose puck off a faceoff and navigating through two Oilers players to fire a shot past Edmonton goalie Calvin Pickard.

Sam Bennett soon followed, extending the Panthers’ lead to 2-0 at 18:06 in the first period. Bennett capitalized on a turnover, connecting with Matthew Tkachuk before firing a cross-ice pass into the net.

The Oilers struggled to regroup, failing to score in the second period despite having opportunities, including a near miss by superstar Connor McDavid.

Marchand struck again in the third period, increasing the Panthers’ lead to 3-0. McDavid managed to score for the Oilers shortly after, cutting the deficit to 3-1, but the Panthers swiftly responded. Just minutes later, Sam Reinhart found the back of the net, pushing the score to 4-1.

Corey Perry managed to score for the Oilers with an extra attacker on the ice, but Eetu Luostarinen sealed the game for Florida with an empty-net goal in the final moments.

Marchand’s performance has cemented his position as a key player in the series, now totaling six goals in the Stanley Cup Final and breaking an active player record with 12 postseason goals.

The Panthers will host Game 6 on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET, needing one more win to secure back-to-back championships. If the Oilers lose, they will face elimination in a possible Game 7 back in Edmonton on Friday.