Just as they were in last season’s Stanley Cup Final, the Edmonton Oilers are now officially on the brink of elimination. They failed to capitalize on the momentum that they had after the thrilling 5-4 overtime comeback win over the Florida Panthers in Game 4 of the series, and on Saturday, they lost 5-2 in front of a sold-out crowd at Rogers Place.
The Panthers were buoyed by a pair of goals from the ageless Brad Marchand. He was ably supported by Sam Bennett, who scored his 15th goal of the postseason. Both players continue to remain in the conversation for the Conn Smythe Trophy.
Florida Panthers Defeat Edmonton Oilers 5-2 in Game 5
The Panthers managed to withstand what was an electric and roaring sold-out crowd at Rogers Place, eventually silencing them with a pair of opening-period goals courtesy of Marchand and Bennett. For Bennett, it was his 15th goal of the postseason and his 13th on the road.
After there were no goals in the game’s middle frame, it set up a tense third period. The Panthers quickly increased their lead to 3-0 for the second consecutive game with a tally from Marchand, his second of the night and 10th of the postseason.
But then, the Oilers began to give their fans hope of another dramatic comeback after Connor McDavid found the back of the net for the first time in this year’s Stanley Cup Final. The Panthers immediately quietened the crowd, as Sam Reinhart scored for the third time in as many games just seconds later to restore the three-goal lead.
While the Oilers once again managed to find some life in the game after a shot by Corey Perry from just inside the blue line found its way past a screened Sergei Bobrovsky, the Panthers sealed the victory with an empty net goal from Eetu Luosarinen.
3 Oilers Who Failed To Deliver in Game 5 Loss to Panthers
#1. Viktor Arvidsson
The Oilers rolled the dice by swapping Kasperi Kapanen for Viktor Arvidsson after their thrilling Game 4 overtime win. Kapanen assisted on Jake Walman’s go-ahead goal in the third period.
Arvidsson responded by contributing nothing for the Oilers against the Panthers in Game 5, failing to register a single point, shot on goal, hit, or blocked shot. Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch will likely be second-guessing his lineup decision after Saturday’s game.
#2. Jake Walman
After playing the role of hero for the Oilers in Game 4 with his first goal of the Stanley Cup Final that gave Edmonton a 4-3 lead, Walman couldn’t follow up that strong performance in Game 5.
He was walked by Marchand in the third period for what proved to be the Panthers’ game-winning goal. He also finished with a -2 rating, the second-worst among all Oilers defensemen. In addition to this, he failed to register a single shot on goal on Saturday.
#3. Calvin Pickard
All good things must come to an end, and Calvin Pickard found that out the hard way. He suffered his first defeat as a starter in the 2025 postseason after he earned the chance with a strong performance on Thursday, when he replaced Stuart Skinner.
Pickard allowed four goals on the 18 shots he faced, finishing the game with a subpar .778 save percentage. Right now, it’s up in the air whether he or Skinner will start the must-win Game 6 in Florida on Tuesday.