Brad Marchand and Sam Bennett shined as the Florida Panthers took a 3-2 series lead against the Edmonton Oilers in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup final. The Panthers, with a remarkable 10-3 road record in the playoffs, are on the cusp of clinching their second consecutive title. Marchand’s two goals and Bennett’s playoff-leading 15th goal propelled the Panthers to victory, supported by a solid defensive effort led by goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky.

Marchand’s impressive performance in the final places him alongside Mario Lemieux as the only players in the last 50 years to achieve multiple five-plus goal finals. The Panthers’ multi-goal lead and robust defense stifled the Oilers, with key contributions from Sam Reinhart and a standout goaltending display by Bobrovsky. Despite a late push from the Oilers, the Panthers sealed the win with an empty-net goal from Eetu Luostarinen.

The Oilers, led by Connor McDavid, faced challenges with the Panthers’ aggressive penalty kill disrupting their power play opportunities. Goaltender Calvin Pickard suffered his first loss this postseason, prompting speculation about Stuart Skinner’s return for Game 6. The Panthers, known for their resilience, are determined to bounce back from their Game 4 setback and close out the series at home. With Marchand’s leadership and a deep roster, the Panthers remain confident in their ability to secure another championship victory.